The Shadow of Great Britain

"Gottingen University Journal" August 1833 Headline "To Stendal's Bismarck"

Author: Arthur Hastings

From a young age, I loved to learn. But being born as a laborer's child in the rural area of York, with a poor family and deceased parents, I couldn't access books, only frequently borrowing from households in York with collections, copying them by hand, and returning them by the agreed date. When the weather was severely cold, the ink I made from charcoal would freeze into solid ice, my fingers unable to bend, yet I never relaxed in copying books. Upon finishing, I promptly returned the books, not daring to exceed the agreed deadline.

Because of this, the villagers considered me trustworthy, and most were willing to lend me books, allowing me to read various kinds. After becoming an adult, I admired the teachings of sages even more, but suffered from not being able to interact with knowledgeable teachers and scholars. I had hurriedly walked for over ten miles, holding books, to consult with a local priest, a graduate of Oxford University. The priest, of high virtue and reputation, had churches filled with villagers and believers, and his words and demeanor never showed a hint of gentleness.

I stood by his side, serving him, raising difficult questions, seeking insight, bending down and listening closely to his teachings. Sometimes, when scolded, I would show an even more respectful expression, more attentive to etiquette, not daring to say a word in response. When he was pleased, I would seek his teaching again. Thus, although I was dull, I eventually received considerable enlightenment.

Later, I inherited a distant uncle's estate, which sparked my desire to study in London. To save money, I set out from York on foot with a backpack, crushed the backs of my shoes under my heels, and walked through deep mountains, valleys, and desolate plains. The cold wind was fierce, and the snow several feet deep, causing my feet and skin to crack from the cold without my awareness.

Upon arriving in London, blisters and wounds were visible all over my feet, and my joints were so stiff I could not move. I could only ask a hotel servant for some hot water to drink and wrapped myself in blankets, gradually recovering. Upon first arriving in London, I could not afford the annual fee of 300 pounds for the four Inns of Court. Fortunately, I heard of the establishment of the University of London, where annual fees were only 13 pounds 6 shillings, giving me a place to stay.

When I first enrolled at the University of London, I ate only two meals a day, sometimes just one, without afternoon tea, let alone enjoying any fresh and tender delicacies. Many of my co-resident classmates dressed luxuriously, with clothes made of Nanking fabric, wearing top hats, leather belts with silver buckles, pocket watches with gold chains hanging from their chest pockets, held a Thomason-brand cane in the left hand, and kept a Gilroncs snuff bottle in the right pants pocket, appearing radiant like angels or saints.

I, however, wore an old cotton robe, with worn-out clothes among them, yet in my heart, I harbored no envy. For there was something within me that brought me joy, so I felt neither inferior in what I ate, wore, nor enjoyed. Mr. Jeremy Bentham noticed my situation, praised my diligence, and each time he lectured at the university, inquired about my academic progress, addressing any areas I didn't understand with patience, thus gradually setting my studies on the right track. Thinking back now, this was essentially my diligence and hard effort.

Now, many years after graduating from the University of London, though without much achievement, I fortunately find myself among the researchers of Natural Philosophy, enjoying His Majesty the King's grace, following the Cabinet Ministers, and boldly taking responsibility for the teaching work at Gottingen University. Kingdom Parliament's gentlemen consider me an advisor, willing to consult my opinions, and occasionally I hear my name praised in academic papers. Even someone with my mediocre talents has received such honor, how much more so for those whose skills exceed mine?

Nowadays, students studying at Gottingen University enjoy the subsidy policies of the Kingdom Government, with parents gifting fur coats for winter and shirts for summer every year, without the worry of cold and hunger. They sit within tall buildings reading books, without the hardship of rushing about. Professors and lecturers are learned people from all over Germany, these knowledgeable Ph.D.s come as their teachers, never failing to answer questions, nor resulting in fruitless inquiries. Every book that should be available is housed in the school's library, no longer requiring the laborious hand copying I once did, borrowing from elsewhere just to read.

Therefore, among the students, if there are those not excelling in academics, nor developing in character, it is either due to natural talent or lack of focus as dedicated as mine; could this possibly be another's fault? The young Otto von Bismarck from Stendal, studying for three semesters at Gottingen University, yet never grasping the essentials, often hears bad remarks about him at the university.

When I first came to Gottingen University, Bismarck, not understanding the benefits of learning, repeatedly challenged me as a junior. I thus shared my experiences with him, patiently explaining the essentials of learning. Bismarck gradually realized, gaining insight into studying, and thus visited me with respect as a younger peer, even writing a lengthy letter as a gift.

The letter's words flowed smoothly and with broad insight, discussing pleasantly and humbly with me. He confessed that previously he was not dedicated or diligent in his studies, nearly reaching the point of quitting school, due to not understanding the wonders of learning. He intended to visit and confess to his parents, expressing his resolve to change his attitude towards studying. Therefore, I have especially written this article today, sharing my own scholarly hardships with him, encouraging him to continue improving.