The autobiography of gibbon consists of memoirs of gibbon and letters from gibbon. It was edited by his friend Lord Sheffield (formerly known as john baker holroyd) after Gibbon's death. Lord Sheffield confiscated his manuscript and his thank-you letter to Field and his family.
Gibbon is a rich boy. His grandfather is good at business, and his products exceed100000 pounds. He bought many fields and houses in London and the countryside. Gibbon's father and Gibbon himself have become "people of status" or gentlemen. With this, the father and son have become members of parliament; When a militia group is established in the countryside, father and son naturally become officers, one as a battalion commander and the other as a company commander.
He is the only child in the family. His mother raised seven children, and he was the first. The other six died when they were young. His mother died when Gibbon was ten years old because of poor health after continuous childbirth. Gibbon was also born sick and grew up under the care of his first period.
Because Gibbon was sickly from childhood, he didn't go to school regularly until he entered adolescence. I went to Westminster College for two years, but I also took time off from time to time because of illness. It was not until he was fifteen years old that he turned around above his physique.
At the age of fifteen, he entered Oxford University. But I only stayed in Oxford for fourteen months. On the one hand, the content and methods of the tutor's teaching failed to arouse his interest, on the other hand, he had more money to spend, so he slipped out of school with a group of fun friends and even went to pubs and brothels, in other words, he was not interested in reading. But the biggest problem is that he began to doubt the Anglican Church and secretly converted to Catholicism. As soon as this incident was exposed, the school immediately let him drop out of school.
Gibbon loved books since he was a child. He wanted to read any book he saw. Later, he gradually concentrated his interest from ordinary classical works to ancient history. He published his first book at 176 1. The title is "Literary Studies". 1765 co-edited with the history of the Swiss revolution by de Shulton: 1767 also edited a series of publications on literary studies in greater Brittany.
But his outstanding fame, his outstanding contribution to history, and the greatest display of his intelligence and knowledge undoubtedly lie in the book The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. He started writing this book in the winter of 1772, published the first volume in 1776, published the second and second volumes in178, and completed the whole manuscript in 1787, and published the last three volumes. This book puts him on a par with Robertson, who wrote the history of Scotland, and Hume, who wrote the history of England.
This book is the pinnacle of his career.
But his great achievement is universally acknowledged, which is obviously the result of his long-term efforts.
He spent a lot of time studying Latin, Greek, French and Italian. Especially when studying Latin and French, he adopted such a self-study method: after a long time, when the vocabulary and expression of the original text were completely forgotten, he translated that French into Latin, and then compared this translation with the original text to find out the similarities and differences. In this way, he achieved the goal of mastering these two languages.
As far as his reading desire is concerned, he can be called a bookworm. However, because he linked reading activities with historical research, he also emphasized reading methods. Skimming has always been extensive, but in the middle, it has gradually embarked on a targeted and selective road; For classic works, don't let go of any words that are difficult to understand or suspected of wrong meaning; Often holding a pen in his hand, while reading, he writes notes and extracts the main points and useful materials in the book. In addition, I also wrote my own reading experience, sometimes too much, and the result became a short article.
At the same time, in order to find and research historical records, he often studies ancient inscriptions, medals, medals and other physical objects. Writing history is inseparable from archaeology, and Gibbon has set a good example in methods.
It is no accident that Gibbon became an academic giant.
Never married, always living alone.
What we have now is a straightforward biography. This biography was mainly written by a historian who was often locked in his study 200 years ago and made great academic achievements by his own efforts. The average reader may not be interested in reading it. However, if we are interested in finding a road to success from the hard work of a scholar, touching the pulse of historical progress from many aspects of an era of great social change, and exploring the interest or philosophy of life from simple descriptions of mountains, rivers and people,
We can get some benefits from this autobiography.
We can appreciate Gibbon's works more carefully.
For 200 years, people have been amazed at Gibbon's writing, which also made him occupy a lofty position in the history of literature. Gibbon himself said: "Writing should be qualitative and easy. However, writing is a reflection of personality; The habit of writing seriously may show skills and knowledge without any management or design. " Biography of gibbon
Gibbon's style of writing has the unpretentious characteristics of English prose in the18th century. Chi has long been engaged in the collection, collation and identification of historical materials, and has developed a compact and rigorous habit, so not only his historical works are dense and precise, but other articles also have such advantages. Read his "We still feel lively in density and moist in prudence".
Although angry words and discouragement often appear in Gibbon's articles, the overall tone is cordial and gentle. I have read many ancient books and have a good memory, so I often drop my schoolbag when I take information; But it's not melodramatic, so people won't feel too tired after reading it.
This is a scholar's career record, which is worth reading.
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We seem to live on our ancestors; It is vanity that is trying to expand this fictional life length and get satisfaction from it. Our imagination is always actively expanding the narrow circle defined by nature. A person may live to 50 years old or 100 years old; But with the hope that religion and philosophy can provide, we have crossed the post-death era. At the same time, we connect ourselves with our ancestors to fill the gap that we didn't record before we were born.
As far as I am concerned, if my family can be traced back to a general, a politician or a writer, I will study their life stories diligently with a heart that loves my ancestors. When we examine historical events, anything directly or indirectly involving ourselves will arouse our curiosity; But in the evaluation of honor, we should know that talent is more important than lucky giving, and we should respect the qualities of our ancestors that can best promote social interests. It should also be clearly declared that the descendants of a king are not really noble than the descendants of a talented writer who inspires the world or takes pleasure in his works.
The author began to go to school at the age of nine, and because of his weak body, he could not take more exercise. Reading became his best choice.
Before I left Kingston School, I was completely familiar with Pope's translation.
16 years old, the author recovered and entered Oxford university 14 months, which established his lifelong interest in studying history.
The author said: My hobby with no choice has gradually settled into the subject of "history": since philosophy has broken all natural concepts and natural tendencies, my choice of history must be attributed to diligent reading. The history of the octagonal world at that time was published in volumes. This book was second to none at that time, and a paper by Hearn entitled "The Historian Who Commanded the World" pointed me in the direction and led me to many Greek and Roman historians who could be read by at least British readers. I have read all the books I can find.
I was deeply moved by the author's diligence when I extracted a long passage from the author's words. I hope to learn the methods and skills of learning knowledge from the author's knowledge. There are many things that can be conveyed.
Such extensive reading can't guide me to think, write and act. The only principle to point out the way out for this undigested random reading method is to use the system of time and region reasonably as soon as possible.
The maps made by Celalus and Ganers printed the images of ancient geography into my mind. From Strangius, I learned the compilation points of Chronology of Wheat: Chronology of Events by Helviks and Anderson, and Chronicle by Huo Icer and Prideaux, which showed me the interrelationships of major historical events and made me remember a large number of names and periods in a clear and definite order. But in ancient discussions, I was more and more bound by modesty and application.
I was educated at Oxford University. I have enjoyed many public and private benefits from that famous university. I write here.
I have stayed in a prestigious school for many years, experienced a series of well-arranged and beneficial training and research, and participated in pleasant and beneficial exchange activities between upper-class people and scholars. This school encourages diligence and stimulates talents with no jealous competition, no jealous ambitions and no malicious arguments; Advocate, encourage and promote the extensive pursuit of knowledge and real freedom of thought through demonstration, praise and quotation.
I breathe the air that many people like Hook Chillingworth and Locke once breathed. Their kind behavior and humanitarian spirit are as extensive as their great genius and profound knowledge; They always treat their opponents with humility and respect; They often regard honesty, moderation and free judgment as rules and laws that must be observed, just as they often take this as a topic of discussion. Can you respect me, because I was educated in this place, because I have a relationship with this most respectable school, and will always regard this relationship as my best interest and highest honor?
So the author is determined to write a book. Because it is not suitable for sports, I am content with book life.
Later, the author's father took him to Putney. I learned French there. His learning method is: I practice pronunciation by repeating the same pronunciation; I try my best to remember all kinds of words and idioms, grammatical rules and part-of-speech differences. Get calm and fluency through practice; Through hard work, we can gain correctness and elegance. So before I was recalled to England, I was able to think naturally in French. I was more familiar with listening, speaking and French than English.
The role of these basic knowledge, first of all, revived my hobby of reading, because this hobby has cooled down when I was in Oxford. Soon I searched almost all the legal documents in the teacher's library without careful selection. Even such a pastime can produce practical benefits: my appreciation and judgment are more or less mature now. I came into contact with a new style and works: by comparing various methods and ideas, I broadened my knowledge and corrected my prejudice. A large number of automatic excerpts from Le Xuer's History of Roman Church and Roman Empire can be used as the dividing line between childhood and adulthood in my study.
Moreover, Gibbon was taught by teacher pavia, which made me gradually move from blind and disorderly love of reading to the road of getting education on demand. I happily agreed to spend part of the morning as planned, specializing in modern history, and intensively reading classic works in French and Latin with a critical attitude. Every step I take, I feel strengthened by my diligent and orderly habits. His cautious attitude eliminated and covered up the impulsive behavior of some young people; But when he saw that I really had the habit of being thrifty, he let me control my own life. He reported my behavior and progress to my father and said a lot of good things, so I gradually gained some freedom in my actions and expenses. He also hopes to reduce my hardships in life and diet.
Here, at least the author Gibbon has given people a lot of inspiration: first, learning needs goals and directions; Furthermore, we should study in a planned and step-by-step manner; Finally, we should have an independent research attitude and critical thinking, and we should not follow the trend and eat without digesting.
Let's see how Gibbon learns languages and writes.
In the last three years in Lausanne, I can say that I have made achievements through hard work. However, I must always admit that the last eight months of 1755 were a period of great efforts and rapid progress.
I used a very good method to practice the translation between French and Latin. Because of my own success, I want to introduce this method to foreign language learners. I have chosen some classic writers, such as Cicero and Vito, whose purity and beauty are most appreciated by the world. For example, I translated a letter from Cicero into French; Put it aside after translation, and when I forget all the words in the original, I will try my best to translate my French translation into Latin. So I compared my poor translation with the concise, elegant and appropriate sentences of the Roman speaker. I also take Vito's My History of Rome and China's Transformation as an example; The same experiment was done on several pages of paper. I translated these pages from French into Latin, and after a long time, I translated them back into my own French, and then carefully compared the translation with the original. I gradually reduced my sense of shame and gradually increased my satisfaction with myself. I persisted in this practice of translating back and forth and wrote several exercise books until I understood the usage characteristics of the two languages and mastered at least one formal style. While doing this effective writing practice, and after the practice, I get more fun by reading the works of the best writers.
Intensive reading of Roman classics is both exercise and reward for me. Dr. Middleton's biography of Cicero, at that time, I appreciated it beyond its true value, which naturally led me to read Cicero's works. The most perfect version of Cicero Anthology is compiled by Oliver, which can decorate the bookshelves of the rich. Second, it was compiled by the left bank of the Ernest River and should be placed on the desks of learned people. I can't afford these books. In order to read Cicero's ordinary letters, I used Bishop Ross's English annotation book. The complete works I use are two folio volumes compiled by Will boogers, published in Amsterdam, with notes from various schools. I read all the letters, all the speeches and the most important papers on rhetoric and philosophy diligently and happily.
After reading this great writer who combines eloquence and reason, I made a broader plan to study Latin classical works again, which is divided into four major projects: (1)? Historian 2? Poet, ③? Speaker, (4)? Philosopher, in chronological order, from Platus and Salaste to the decline of Roman language and empire. During my last 27 months in Lausanne (1756 1 month to1April 758), I almost finished the implementation of this plan.
Although this re-learning is fast, it is not hasty or superficial. I am obsessed with reading the works of Delens, Virgil, Horace, Tacitus and others for the second or even the third time, so as to learn the thoughts and spirits that suit me best. I never miss a difficult or wrong text, I must explore it from all aspects that may be explained; Although I am often disappointed, I can always find the most knowledgeable or talented annotator. In the enthusiastic exploration activities, I have been widely exposed to history and critical knowledge. My notes in every book are written in French. Based on my reading experience, I often write several short articles according to my own content.
My father never induced me with his interest in agriculture and his agricultural knowledge. I have never held a shotgun and seldom rode a horse. I walked like a philosopher. After a short walk, I stopped on a stool in the shade. I sat on a stool and spent a long time reading or meditating without moving. At home, I occupied a spacious and comfortable house. It didn't take long for me to regard the books on the same floor as my exclusive territory. I can honestly say that I have never felt so lonely as when I was alone. At that time, the only dissatisfaction in my heart was the polite restriction on my free time. Because I have the habit of getting up early, I often get an inviolable part of the day and steal a lot of sporadic time for reading. However, the family's lunch, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea are all scheduled and last for a long time.
During Gibbon's reading career, he gradually explored a set of methods and means to learn knowledge.
When I first received the quarterly living allowance, a large part of it was used for my literary needs. I can't forget the joy of buying 20 volumes of research reports of the Inscription Society with a 20-pound bill. It is not easy to get such a huge and lasting treasure house of rational entertainment with the same expenditure. Once, I entered the lecture hall of ancient literature very diligently. I expressed my opinion on this profound and rich series, which doubled in length from 1759, but the value did not match: "It made Louis XIV immortal, surpassing his ambition of often endangering the people; It began to explore the correct concepts, etiquette and knowledge. " If you want to comment on my study, you must wait until it is mature; But here I can allow myself to show that I can't think of buying a book to show off; Every book is read or thoroughly checked before it is put on the shelves.
Gibbon insisted on abstracting the main points and taking notes.
However, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce to young readers a reading method that I probably used at that time. When I get a new book, I must check myself after reading the binding and contents of the whole book, that is, I must think about everything I know or believe about the theme of the whole book or a chapter in a walk, or think about it before I start reading. Only in this way can I get enough understanding of how much knowledge the author has added to me. Besides, if I am addicted to this book sometimes.
I am very satisfied that my point of view is consistent with mine, so sometimes because the point of view in the book is contrary to mine, I have the idea of dealing with it.
This reflects that Gibbon is not studying hard, but reading rationally, thinking seriously and giving inferences. This is really the accomplishment and quality of a scholar. Soon, the author Gibbon wrote his first book, Literary Studies. Discuss the theme and writing of the article.
After 1768, Gibbon began to prepare for the writing of Roman history. I began to write Roman history from hope to hope, from hope to plan, from plan to execution, but I still have only a very incomplete concept of the limit and scope of writing. The classical writers who can easily get their works, such as Tacitus, Pliny Junior and Yu Waina, are all my familiar old friends. I unconsciously fell into the historical ocean of Augustus. Secondly, I consulted a series of original records in Greek and Latin, almost all of which were written by hand, taking notes at any time, and using various medals, medals and inscriptions seen in geography and chronicles as auxiliary materials to confirm related things. In order to determine and compare many scattered data between my observation station and the field, I used the collection method of Tilemont. His recognition ability is so accurate that he can almost be called a wizard. For the whole dark period of the Middle Ages, I delved into the Italian chronicles and ancient cultural relics compiled by the learned Muratori, and tirelessly compared many records written by Sigourney Uss and others that were parallel or crossed with this book, until I was almost completely familiar with the situation of Roman ruins in the14th century. But I didn't expect this last chapter to write six quarto manuscripts and a question that has been used for twenty years. Among the many books I bought, there is a Teodosi Uss Code annotated by James Godfrey, which should be remembered with gratitude, because I have used it many times as a history book, not as a law book.
In order to write the history of Rome, I collected a lot of direct and indirect materials. Strictly speaking, however, these preparations began before this stage of my life, that is, during the two summers between my father's death and my settlement in London (177 1 and 1772).
The author Gibbon also has free access to many books and characters. If you want to list the names and identities of people you know through introductions, it will be endless. However, we can distinguish the order of friendship and respect from this general understanding. I followed the wise saying that "it is better to spend more money than to read more" and reviewed the immortal works in French and English, Latin and Italian over and over again. My study of Greek (though not as diligent as I planned) kept and expanded my knowledge of this noble language. Homer and Xenophon are still my favorite writers. I'm almost going to print an article about the Kurus period. As far as I am concerned, this article is not bad. After a certain period of time, many people regard new excellent publications as their only spiritual food; The most serious scholars, in order to satisfy their own good intentions or provide timely and popular topics, often break this routine involuntarily. I read Blackstone's Notes on English Law for the third time, which can be said to be due to a higher motivation. I have written many critical notes in this English book, which is my first serious work written in my mother tongue.
I don't want to talk more about my economic affairs, because it is not good for readers and boring. This kind of private matter can only be discussed privately with intimate friends. It is not advisable to make our situation public in order to arouse the envy or pity of outsiders. This is a rule of being cautious and polite to others. Because jealousy produces monk hatred, and pity is very close to contempt. But I can believe and even assert that if I am poorer or richer, I will never be able to complete the task of becoming a historian or gain this reputation; My spirit will inevitably be destroyed by poverty and contempt, and my writing ability will inevitably slack off in the tension and luxury life brought about by excessive wealth.
But when Gibbon decided to become a historian, everything in his life revolved around it.
The range of my acquaintances and the number of my companions, ancient and modern, are expanding every year. For a book lover, bookstores and book fairs in London are irresistible: I need more and more materials to write Roman history. Joining the militia, traveling, entering the House of Commons and enjoying the reputation as a writer have all played a role in increasing my friendship. Some upper-class clubs accept me as their member; 1783 Before I left England, there were few well-known figures in the literary and art circles or in politics who were not my acquaintances. I can draw many characters with great confidence and collect many anecdotes for readers to enjoy. But I have always opposed the practice of turning personal recollection articles into tools of ridicule or praise.
1776, the first volume "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" was published.
I don't know how to describe the success of this book so as not to expose the author's vanity. The first edition sold out in a few days; The second and third editions can't meet the needs of readers; Pirates in Dublin violated the ownership of publishers twice. My books appear on every desk and almost every dresser. The author was given the highest praise by people according to their hobbies or current trends; Any critic who likes cursing can't interfere with praise with his roar. Human love is infinitely giving a new acquaintance with original achievements.
Mr. Hume wrote me a letter, overestimating my ten years' efforts. I never dreamed of becoming an English historian.
At the bottom of the Big Three.
We should associate with the best people in history and contemporaries. Read their books and works and get close to them. Let your mind and quality resonate with them.
178 1 senator gibbon published the second and third volumes of the history of the decline and fall of the Roman empire during his lifetime. The whole draft was completed on 1787.
I once determined the moment when this book was conceived through reasoning; Now I want to commemorate the hour when I finished the whole manuscript. This is June 27th, 1787. One day, or should I say that night, between eleven and twelve o'clock, I wrote the last lines of the last page in a gazebo in the garden. Putting down my pen, I walked back and forth several times on the tree-lined path full of Robinia pseudoacacia, from which I could see fields, lakes and mountains. The air is mild, the sky is clear, a silver moon is projected in the water, and the whole universe is silent. I don't want to hide my joy at the beginning because of the restoration of freedom of movement, because this book may become famous. However, my pride soon faded, and another serious melancholy filled my mind, because I thought that my old partner who had been listening to me had broken up forever, and I thought that no matter how long my historical work could exist in the future, the author's life must be very short and hard to blame. There are two other points to note, which are rarely thought of when writing all six volumes, or at least five volumes. ( 1)? I sent the draft to the printing plant without copying it. (2)? None of the manuscript paper has been seen by others, only the author and printer have seen it; Therefore, whether it is a result or a mistake, it should be mine.
When I meditate on the fate of life and death, I must admit that I won the grand prize in the lottery of life. Most parts of the earth are full of savage life and slavery. In the civilized world, the largest class cannot escape ignorance and poverty. I was born in a free and civilized country, and I was born in a respectable and wealthy family. This double happiness is one in a million. The growth of newborns, roughly speaking, only one in three people has reached the age of 50.
Now that I am over 50, I might as well estimate the present value of my existence from three aspects: spirit, physique and property.
The first and essential condition of happiness is a pure heart, which is not accused by some bad behaviors and is not often humiliated by memory.
"This place is like a bronze wall.
Nothing can be despised, and no defect can create fear. "
I have been endowed with a harmonious temper, a proper sensibility and a natural personality that prefers stillness to activity. There are several bad hobbies and habits, probably because of the change of life attitude or status quo. There is a passion for reading, which is the vitality generated from pleasure. Every day, every hour, it continuously provides independent and rational fun; I didn't feel any decline in my mental function either. Through reclamation and cultivation, the original soil has been greatly improved. However, it may be necessary to ask: have some illusory flowers and some pleasant mistakes been eliminated with the weeds of prejudice?
My friend Lord Sheffield kindly helped me relieve most of my troubles out of my hobbies and temper. In addition,
I haven't seriously considered this issue since my first marriage wish failed. This has to be added, right?
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