"Talent!"
Chongzhen slowly spit out two words.
Without waiting for anyone to speak, Chongzhen continued: "Talent is the first driving force for development!"
“Competition between countries is ultimately a competition for talents!”
"The talents I am talking about are those who have mastered knowledge in mathematics, physics, medicine, etc., not those Jinshis of the Ming Dynasty! Jinshis govern the country, but the premise of governance is that the country is stable, and the talents I am talking about are stable ensure."
"The research laboratories of the Firearms Research Institute, the Industrial Research Institute, and the Agricultural Research Institute all rely on talents who have mastered mathematics, physics and other subjects to conduct research, which is enough to prove the correctness of my point of view."
At this point, Chongzhen paused, as if giving everyone time to think.
Indeed, everyone was lost in thought by the emperor's summary of talents. They had never thought that the emperor would value talents who had mastered mathematics and other knowledge so highly.
But when I thought about it carefully, I found that the emperor's view was extremely correct.
“I’m looking for Xu Aiqing today to learn about Matteo Ricci and Italy, just to let you know the current development of the West. While they are studying mathematics, physics, and astronomy, 99% of us scholars are still studying the eight-part essay.
If this continues, within fifty years, our Ming Dynasty will definitely fall behind the West.
Even if I strongly support and make reforms, this will still be the case because we lack the foundation!
There are only three ways to change this situation. One is to invite those talents to come to Ming Dynasty, and the other is to send people to study there.
At present, it is unlikely to invite people to come. It is estimated that few people are willing to travel 16,000 to 7,000 miles away from home to live in a strange country. "
Having said this, Chongzhen paused slightly, feeling a little helpless.
The Ming Dynasty was prosperous, and many people from overseas countries were rushing to come to the Ming Dynasty, but they all wanted to do business and make money.
But these are not very attractive to talents in mathematics, physics, astronomy, etc., because the Ming Dynasty has a weak foundation. Would a scholar with rich academics and collision of ideas go to a place where academics are far behind and there are many restrictions?
The answer is no, unless that person wants to retire.
"Since you don't come, then we have to send people there to study, form a few caravans to go along the Silk Road, study there for two or three years and then come back, and bring back the books there.
But the premise is that the people sent there must have a foundation in mathematics and physics, and they must understand the Italian language.
My idea is to first establish a Gewu Academy and select a group of young students. The number does not need to be too large. Within each group of thirty people, Xu Aiqing, Bi Aiqing, Sun Aiqing, Wang Aiqing and other people who have been exposed to Western learning will teach these students. ,
Then they are sent to study in Italy and other European countries, in batches of three years. "
"What a great idea. When they come back from their studies, we will have a new teacher."
"Yes, as long as two or three batches return after completing their studies, we won't need to send people to study in the future. The caravan will bring back the latest books over there, and the Institute of Science and Technology will study them."
"Mr. Li Ge, we still need to send people, but we don't need to do it so frequently or in large numbers. After all, some knowledge may not be understood by just relying on books, or there may be deviations. It is better to learn in person!"
"What you guys said is right. The Ming Dynasty's tea, silk, porcelain, etc. are all top-notch products there. With these things opening the way, we don't have to worry about finding anyone to teach the students we send."
"Everyone, I'm a little worried. What if the people we send don't want to come back after being exposed to the culture and environment there?
It doesn’t matter if there are a few less people, but it will delay the progress of our learning. "
"This is not unavoidable. First of all, when we choose people, we choose people who can take care of the family and be filial. Since then, we will have concerns.
Secondly, we must give generous treatment, such as official positions, money, honors, etc., to let them know that they have more success in the Ming Dynasty than outside;
Third, in the teaching process of Gewuyuan, strengthen ideological guidance. The second point is the most important, otherwise everything will be in vain.
After completing these three aspects, if there are still people who are unwilling to come back, there is nothing we can do about it. "
"Old Yuan Ge, you are so tall!"
Everyone praised, and Chongzhen nodded secretly. It must be said that these people can get to the point immediately.
The probability of not coming back after going abroad is very high in future generations, but now, it is unlikely. One is the constraints of thoughts, such as fallen leaves returning to their roots, loyalty to the emperor and the country, benevolence, justice, propriety, wisdom and trust, etc.;
Secondly, the culture and customs are very different from those of the Ming Dynasty. Although Europe at this time was developing well, in terms of wealth, richness, etc., it was not even the slightest bit worse than the Ming Dynasty.
When people go to higher places, who would give up a land of wealth and choose a land of poverty.
Of course, some people who are obsessed with academics are not excluded. There is no way to solve these problems, unless they are directly assassinated.
"It seems that you all agree with my idea!"
"Your Majesty is wise and far-sighted. I am ashamed of myself!"
Listening to everyone's unanimous approval, Chongzhen chuckled. These seven people were all chosen by themselves. Five of them chose Western learning. They are all famous officials in history.
Xu Guangqi has already made the situation in the West so clear. If these people continue to oppose it, they will definitely have something wrong with their minds.
"In that case, Xu Aiqing, are you interested in going to Italy?"
Chongzhen uttered a sentence slowly, which immediately confused Xu Guangqi, and everyone could not figure out the emperor's thoughts.
After a while, Xu Guangqi came back to his senses, with a look of yearning on his face, but then it turned into a wry smile.
"Your Majesty, if it had been a few years earlier, I would have agreed to go there. It is my dream to be exposed to new mathematics, physics and other knowledge.
Kechen is sixty-seven years old, and he doesn’t even know if he can reach Italy alive. According to Matteo Ricci, the sea route is at least 16,000 miles.
If you start from Shaanxi, it may be closer to take the ancient Silk Road, but it passes through several countries and it is unknown whether you can reach it safely.
I am not afraid of death, but now in the entire Ming Dynasty, I am the second person in the study and research of Western learning, and no one dares to say that I am the first.
I am old and my learning ability is far behind me. I want to stay in the Ming Dynasty and use the few remaining years of my life to pass on what I have learned throughout my life and make up for the gap in studying in the West! "
"Xu Aiqing said this, but I didn't think enough of it!"
"Your Majesty, I would like to go there on behalf of the teacher!"
"Sun Aiqing is determined to send people out to study. It will take at least a year to prepare. When they are ready, if you still want to go, then you can lead the team."
"I am always ready to obey His Majesty's call!"
After Sun Yuanhua expressed his position, Yuan Keli said softly: "Your Majesty, I think this matter can be solved in three steps. The first step is for the imperial court to form a caravan and set off along the Silk Road to Italy. It will inquire about the situation in the countries along the way and collect the goods. Useful books and bring them back,
Firstly, it can make up for the gap period in preparation, and secondly, it can avoid that the people we send out have no one to teach or cannot learn well;
Secondly, establish a Gewu Academy to find students with potential, train them, and prepare them to go out;
The third step is to go abroad. "
