History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 04Carlyle, Thomas
History
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 04
Carlyle, Thomas
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786; Prussia (Germany) -- History -- Frederick II, 1740-1786; Social problems
How these Fink-Kalkstein functionaries proceeded in the great task
they had got,--very great task, had they known what Pupil had fallen
to them,--is not directly recorded for us, with any sequence or
distinctness. We infer only that everything went by inflexible routine;
not asking at all, WHAT pupil?--nor much, Whether it would suit any
pupil? Duhan, with the tendencies we have seen in him, who is willing to
soften the inflexible when possible, and to "guide Nature" by a rather
loose rein, was probably a genial element in the otherwise strict
affair. Fritz had one unspeakable advantage, rare among princes and even
among peasants in these ruined ages: that of NOT being taught, or
in general not, by the kind called "Hypocrites, and even
Sincere-Hypocrites,"--fatalest species of the class HYPOCRITE. We
perceive he was lessoned, all along, not by enchanted Phantasms of that
dangerous sort, breathing mendacity of mind, unconsciously, out of every
look; but by real Men, who believed from the heart outwards, and were
daily doing what they taught. To which unspeakable advantage we add a
second, likewise considerable; That his masters, though rigorous, were
not unlovable to him;--that his affections, at least, were kept alive;
that whatever of seed (or of chaff and hail, as was likelier) fell
on his mind, had SUNSHINE to help in dealing with it. These are two
advantages still achievable, though with difficulty, in our epoch, by
an earnest father in behalf of his poor little son. And these are, at
present, nearly all; with these well achieved, the earnest father and
his son ought to be thankful. Alas, in matter of education, there are
no high-roads at present; or there are such only as do NOT lead to the
goal. Fritz, like the rest of us, had to struggle his way, Nature and
Didactic Art differing very much from one another; and to do battle,
incessant partial battle, with his schoolmasters for any education he
had.
A very rough Document, giving Friedrich Wilhelm's regulations on this
subject, from his own hand, has come down to us. Most dull, embroiled,
heavy Document; intricate, gnarled, and, in fine, rough and stiff
as natural bull-headedness helped by Prussian pipe-clay can make
it;--contains some excellent hints, too; and will show us something of
Fritzchen and of Friedrich Wilhelm both at once. That is to say, always,
if it can be read! If by aid of abridging, elucidating and arranging,
we can get the reader engaged to peruse it patiently;--which seems
doubtful. The points insisted on, in a ponderous but straggling confused
manner, by his didactic Majesty, are chiefly these:--
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account