My friend Xiao Huijian:
Recently, I happened to read a series of masterpieces. Their writing is extraordinary and they discuss the rise and fall of world civilization in a simple and profound way. They are model works of sociology.
I can't sleep at night watching this, and I have benefited a lot.
…
While reading the telegram sent by Chiron, George Bernard Shaw sighed,
I didn’t expect that the Manchester Guardian had been sold to Gothenburg. It was really unexpected.
Moreover, reading the telegram, it seems that Chi Lun has plans to go to England. He said that he wants to make acquaintance with the author Lu. If possible, we can become close friends with each other. If we step back ten thousand steps and cannot be friends, it is not impossible to even become a disciple.
Bernard Shaw couldn't help but smile bitterly,
Qilun must have seen Lu Shi's sophisticated writing and mistook Lu Shi for a certain parliamentarian who occupied a position in the Palace of Westminster, so he was willing to be his lackey.
I wonder what he would think if he knew that Lu Shi was just a young Chinese student studying abroad.
Of course, becoming a disciple is not reliable.
Because Lu Shi already has enough "students" now.
As time went by, the influence of "Guns, Germs and Steel" gradually fermented. Students of London Economics and Political Science made clippings of the "Manchester Guardian", and some even circulated handwritten copies.
If this continues, Lu Shi's influence will surpass that of Bernard Shaw, the school superintendent.
Bernard Shaw put the telegram away and turned his eyes to the right.
On his right side, a dozen copies of the Manchester Guardian were neatly placed, occupying two-thirds of the desk area.
Each newspaper was filled with pencil annotations.
During this period of time, he had been reading. The more he read, the more he was amazed by Lu Shi's knowledge and knowledge.
Such high-end interdisciplinary scholars are more than enough to teach in universities.
It's just Lu Shi's identity...
Bernard Shaw was distressed. For a moment, he felt that the office was a little stuffy, so he decided to go for a walk to change his mood.
The concept of universities in 1900 and modern universities are completely different, and the environment is very different:
No neatly mowed lawn,
There are no statues of great men,
There is no canteen where pig feed is distributed centrally.
The only ones that can be used are office buildings, teaching buildings and libraries.
Bernard Shaw walked in the direction of the library.
Along the road, students in twos and threes gathered together, wearing thick coats, sitting on the walls or under trees, studying handwritten pamphlets, completely ignoring the inspection of the school supervisor.
Bernard Shaw slowed down and listened to what the students were discussing.
"Lu believes that plants grown by humans are not conducive to individuals growing wild. Why is this?"
"It's very simple...well...for example, wheat. The efficiency of wheat spreading seeds by itself is very low, but precisely because of this, it is conducive to human collection, planting, and cultivation."
"Then what Lu means is that the will of nature dominates the survival of the fittest, but human will has made this survival of the fittest non-existent. Therefore, the definitions of 'excellent' and 'inferior' are not so absolute."
"Hmm...why do I actually feel that there is some truth in your heresy?"
…
The content of the discussion was so high that Bernard Shaw could hardly keep up.
After listening for a while, he finally couldn't help but stepped forward and said, "When you are thinking about problems, try not to understand things in a personal way."
The students looked up, seemingly confused.
Bernard Shaw continued: "For example, when you say 'nature's will', this is a kind of personification. Nature has no will. Survival of the fittest is a realistic and cold process. There is no need to use that kind of modification."
Even after he said it, he felt strange.
It is outrageous for a playwright to say that there is no need to use embellishments.
The students looked at each other,
Suddenly someone asked: "Mr. Superintendent, is what Lu thought about what you just said?"
Bernard Shaw was not a roundworm in Lu Shi's belly, so of course he didn't know.
"This...I can't say."
As soon as he finished speaking, the student started to retort: "Then what you said doesn't make any sense."
It doesn't make any sense...
Doesn't make any sense...
Meaning...
ah……
George Bernard Shaw almost lost his temper on the spot and almost took a quick-acting heart-saving pill.
As a result, the fatal blow is yet to come,
The student said again: "Mr. Superintendent, you are loved and admired by everyone because you are a playwright with many works. As for biology, history, geography, and sociology, you should not make lofty opinions easily."
The friend on the side lowered his voice and reminded: "Speak slowly."
The former did not take it seriously;
"Mr. Superintendent is a gentleman and won't care about this."
Bernard Shaw vomited blood, but there was nothing he could do about it, and he had to act very generous.
He smiled and waved his hand,
"It doesn't matter. In academic discussions, there will inevitably be some conflicts between words."
As he said that, Bernard Shaw laughed and said,
"And there's nothing wrong with what you just said. I'm not good at biology or geography. But to correct you, I still have some say in history and sociology."
There was a hint of humility in these words, as if he was trying to find a place for himself.
The students exchanged glances,
Someone said: "Well...Mr. Superintendent, I have a question."
A bad premonition arose in George Bernard Shaw's heart,
But the words have come to this, so I can only bite the bullet and go ahead.
He said: "You tell me and I will try my best to answer."
The student immediately spoke: "Lu mentioned in the article how geographical factors shape society, and gave examples of Spain and the Inca Empire. Mr. Superintendent, I am Spanish, and I don't know those things myself..."
At first glance, I want to ask about the history of Spain’s conquest of the Inca Empire.
This is something that Bernard Shaw could not answer.
His eyes flashed,
"By the way, you came to London from Spain to study. I remember your name was Ni... Ni..."
The student took over the conversation,
"My name is Nikati Nikolic, and this is my friend, Tiri Solomon."
Bernard Shaw showed a pleased smile, patted the two young men on the shoulders respectively, and said: "Well, very good! You two are very good! With such a studious spirit and a thirst for knowledge, you are not afraid of not being useful in the future."
Nikolic and Solomon looked confused.
"Mr. Superintendent..."
Bernard Shaw waved his hand,
"Okay, you can continue the discussion, I won't disturb you here."
After that, he walked towards the office in a hurry.
Back in the office, George Bernard Shaw sat down in his armchair, took out his pipe and took a deep puff, then wiped the sweat off his forehead.
"Huh~"
He took a deep breath and made up his mind.
No matter what, we must keep talents like Lu Shi in Great Britain!
George Bernard Shaw took out a pen and paper and drafted a telegram:
"Honorable Sir Wodehouse..."
John Wodehouse, 1st Earl of Kimberley,
Since 1847, Wodehouse has served as a member of the House of Lords as a hereditary nobleman and gradually accumulated political chips. He is an outstanding politician and a backbone of the Liberal Party.
At the same time, Wodehouse is also the honorary president of the University of London Union.
Generally speaking, Bernard Shaw did not like to interact with people in the House of Lords, but now his decision was no longer dictated by personal preference.
His students need the superintendent to show some dignity!
Bernard Shaw wrote sincerely,
Dear Sir Wodehouse:
Recently, I happened to read a series of masterpieces. Their writing is extraordinary and they discuss the rise and fall of world civilization in a simple and profound way. They are model works of sociology.
I can't sleep at night watching this, and I have benefited a lot.
…
"Ah sneeze!"
Chiron, who was crossing the ocean, sneezed.