Joseph Thomson

Born in Scotland in 1858, Joseph Thomson studied geology and was still in his early twenties when he was drawn into African exploration. He first came to wider attention after taking command of an expedition organized by the Royal Geographical Society, continuing the journey after its original leader died and bringing back important geographic observations.

Thomson went on to travel widely in East and Central Africa, including expeditions through areas that are now Kenya and surrounding regions. He became known for a style of travel that emphasized tact and negotiation, an approach often summed up in the phrase associated with him: he preferred to get through by gentleness when possible rather than by fighting.

He also wrote books based on his travels, helping shape British views of Africa in the late nineteenth century. Although his life was short—he died in 1895—he remains a notable figure in the history of exploration.