Chapter 61

Berlin, or Heidelberg?

For John, this was a question.

Perhaps because John had performed exceptionally well, old Hunter not only agreed to his studies in Germany but also let him decide everything about his life in Europe, including the choice of university. The benefits of staying in Berlin were obvious. Apart from being the capital of Germany, he had relatives there who could take care of him. Moreover, in the 19th century, the University of Berlin was undoubtedly one of the best, and it was unlikely to disappoint. However, Heidelberg had the University of Heidelberg, which John had always looked forward to in his previous life, and it was equally hard to let go.

"Should I travel around Germany before making a decision?"

After returning to the hotel, John was caught in a happy dilemma.

If he could travel around Germany in this era with little pollution, it would undoubtedly be a pleasant experience. However, the poor transportation conditions of this era were also a headache, and John was somewhat afraid of the journey. After much deliberation, John decided to visit the University of Berlin first.

After resting for two days, John went to the University of Berlin as agreed with Heiner Schiller.

According to what Mr. Schiller had said during their previous meeting, he was a professor of physics at the University of Berlin and had his own office, which, in John's view, was enough to show his status. After all, in this period of Germany, obtaining a full professorship was not an easy task; one had to have a high academic standing and reputation. From this perspective, John's "uncle" was quite capable. However, after searching his memory for two days, John could not find any impression of Mr. Schiller, so he could only conclude that this relative's achievements in this life were limited and he had not left a name in history.

When John arrived at Schiller's office, he was writing something seriously at his desk.

"John, welcome to the University of Berlin!"

Seeing his distant nephew come to his office, Mr. Schiller stood up with a smile and greeted him warmly, "How do you find the University of Berlin?"

"Very impressive!"

John instinctively said a polite phrase.

Although the university he attended in his later life was not top-tier and the facilities were relatively old, it was still much better than the German universities of the 19th century. Before seeing more substantial content, John naturally did not have many feelings.

However, Mr. Schiller, of course, did not know John's thoughts and nodded with satisfaction, smiling, "If you ultimately choose the University of Berlin, you will have plenty of opportunities to experience the greatness of this university! Ha, as a professor here, I can proudly say that it is the best university in the world right now!"

Proudly, Mr. Schiller was also full of enthusiasm and expectation for John.

During their casual chat after lunch that day, Mr. Schiller had also seriously evaluated John's current knowledge level under the pretext of writing a recommendation letter, gaining a preliminary understanding of him. The results were very satisfactory. This young man, whom his mother highly regarded, was unexpectedly excellent. He was proficient in Latin, and his knowledge of mathematics, physics, and chemistry was also very satisfactory, even by the standards of the University of Berlin.

Naturally, Mr. Schiller's attitude towards John became even more enthusiastic.

Germans of this era were increasingly valuing science and education, so outstanding young people naturally received attention and preferential treatment. Schiller hoped that the University of Berlin would not miss out on his distant relative. Moreover, last night, his mother, who was old Hunter's cousin, had given him a strict order to persuade John to stay in Berlin for his studies.

After being separated for twenty years, the old lady had transferred her longing for her brother to John...

In fact, Mr. Schiller's words were not exaggerated or wrong.

In a certain sense, the University of Berlin should be considered the first modern university. One of the important characteristics of this so-called modern university is the unity of teaching and research. It was from the University of Berlin that the idea of transforming universities from merely "disseminating science" to "disseminating and developing science" began, integrating teaching and research. Under this change, German universities began to set up laboratories and were the first in the world to establish the "mentor system," providing students with systematic and formal scientific training and good education.

Because of these changes, the University of Berlin led the way throughout the 19th century, with no other university able to match it.

"And in German universities, you will enjoy more academic freedom!"

Winking at John, Mr. Schiller said with a smile.

After hearing this, John was slightly puzzled and looked at him inquiringly. Mr. Schiller, clearly very pleased, paused for a moment before patiently explaining.

Whether in Europe or America, although the power of the church had diminished significantly over the past two centuries with the rapid development of science, it still had a strong influence in universities. For example, in Britain, Cambridge and Oxford were still under the control of the church, and theology was still a major course. However, German modern universities had made changes, and theology was no longer a required course, replaced by more practical philosophy!

In this regard, German universities were undoubtedly more free.

"This is indeed great!"

After hearing Mr. Schiller's explanation, John suddenly understood and sincerely praised.

Recalling his visit to Cambridge and Oxford in London, John agreed with Schiller's statement. In fact, in the United States, the emphasis on theology in universities was even more exaggerated. The government and the public invested a frightening amount of money in theological education each year, far exceeding the investment in other scientific education. Over the past two years, John had suffered greatly from so-called "theological" education, and if he could escape it during his university years, it would undoubtedly be very fortunate.

Seeing John's interested expression, Mr. Schiller chuckled and seized the opportunity to say, "Actually, besides this, studying at the University of Berlin can offer you more freedom, especially for a smart kid like you! I believe you will benefit more if you study here."

Mr. Schiller then listed a series of advantages, summarizing that the University of Berlin had three freedoms that other universities in other countries did not have: freedom of study, freedom of teaching, and freedom of research! The freedom of teaching and research was easy to understand, mainly for teachers, while the freedom of study was for students. According to Mr. Schiller, most students at the University of Berlin had a lot of freedom in their studies.

The first point that John found very satisfying was that there was no fixed duration of study. There was no rigid requirement to study for a certain number of years; as long as the professors believed you had reached a certain level, you could obtain the corresponding degree. Secondly, students were not restricted in choosing courses and followed a "free elective" principle. After completing specific required subjects, they could freely choose other courses, even select teachers, and transfer to other universities for study!

After hearing Mr. Schiller's words, John's eyes lit up, and he was thoroughly moved.

This maximum freedom was like it was tailor-made for John. In his original plan, he intended to review physics and chemistry thoroughly before studying medicine, but now, according to Mr. Schiller, there seemed to be no contradiction.

After all, in the fields of physics and chemistry, John did not dare to say he was more proficient than the professors of this era, especially in experiments and research. After all, in his previous life, he had not specialized in research, only studying for a few years in high school and university. However, in pure theoretical knowledge, he had some confidence, after all, being a hundred years ahead was no joke.

But in the field of medicine, he believed he could completely dominate this era!

In fact, John's primary goal in coming to Germany for his studies was to understand the most advanced medical research of this era, such as the methods used by German medical elites, the instruments and equipment they used, and the most cutting-edge levels. Secondarily, it was to obtain a relatively high-end degree to make his future medical career in New York smoother.

Therefore, from a certain perspective, it would be a very painful thing for John to sit through classes and start from the beginning. Directly participating in cutting-edge research would be the most cost-effective!

"If I perform well enough in the university..."

Thinking of his plans, John gently stroked his chin, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl up.

Under the teaching system of the University of Berlin, if he could perform like a "genius," he could freely attend classes in other majors and participate in more laboratory work, which would undoubtedly be very beneficial for him to complete his plans as soon as possible.

"This way, I can avoid wasting more time!"

After serious consideration, John felt that the University of Berlin was gradually becoming his first choice, surpassing Heidelberg, which he had always longed for in his past and present lives.

After much effort, Mr. Schiller introduced the University of Berlin well and finally said with a smile, "John, all these things I've said are just on paper. I have some free time this afternoon. How about I take you around the entire university? You can also check out the various departments."

"That would be great!"

John's heart stirred, and he nodded repeatedly, smiling, "After hearing you, I am looking forward to the University of Berlin. It would be best to see it in person..."