Chapter Nine, Friends of the Youth Friendship Club
Ah, Rafa, I too will be remembered in history. Please give me a little investment as well, " Amang shouted with a smile.
Shortly after this conversation, Armand handed over two scripts—Shakespeare's "Timon of Athens" and Milton's "Samson Agonistes"—along with several other poems and such to Joseph
I do not care who rules the country, whether he is a king or a president; what I care about most is that his power must be constrained and cannot arbitrarily interfere with my freedom and rights. In the Declaration of Independence of North America, there is a viewpoint that I strongly agree with, which is that the people have the right to overthrow tyranny. Only power recognized by the entire populace is legitimate power. From this perspective, I respect any choice made by the French people.
Joseph, after all, has come from another time. He has witnessed various political systems in practice in later generations and possesses experience from previously being a keyboard warrior on forums, offering his insights on governance. Therefore, he can articulate the merits and demerits of different political systems and make others feel that his arguments hold some validity
"Damn, this sounds so much like what my uncle would say," Ah Mang said, feigning a look of annoyance
... ...
As for Rapha, he believes that, theoretically speaking, a republic is undoubtedly the best and most in line with the principle of equality among all people. This is, in fact, consistent with the teachings of Christ. "The prophet Moses opposed monarchy in the beginning," Lucian stated. However, on the other hand, he also believes: "Monarchy is a tradition of France, and the common people are accustomed to being ruled by kings, so we cannot completely disregard France's traditions and the habits of the people. Therefore, a constitutional monarchy is not an unacceptable compromise." He further asserts: "Monarchy is a tradition of France, and the common people are accustomed to being ruled by kings, so we cannot completely disregard France's traditions and the habits of the people. Therefore, a constitutional monarchy is not an unacceptable compromise."
Joseph, I hope your father is well, and that you can return as soon as possible. Another classmate named Rafa also said, "In our discussions, you always provide us with a lot of inspiration. Without you, our club meetings have become dull and lifeless."
As for Joseph, he does not appear to be particularly concerned about the political system; rather, he is more focused on individual rights
"Joseph, you must come back." Aurelio said, holding his hand.
If possible, I will return as soon as I can, Joseph replied
The influence of Voltaire can be clearly seen in Armand. Like Voltaire, he enjoys using sharp language to satirize the church, but in terms of political systems, he has a greater appreciation for the British-style constitutional monarchy. He often likes to mention the "Glorious Revolution" and the Bill of Rights when discussing political issues.
"Joseph, you should not worry too much about financial issues," Raphael said again. "In Paris, it is much easier to find a profitable opportunity than in the provinces. Come back to Paris as soon as the matters at home are settled. We will always find a way when we are together. Well, Joseph, if you are really short on money right now, I can get a little money from my father for you. It won't be much, but two or three hundred francs should not be a problem. And it will be interest-free."
Ah, Amang, if you could arrange for my father to meet Lord Lavoisier, he would certainly be willing to spend money to treat us all to champagne. However, you might want to think it over, as my father is likely to use this opportunity to make more money. " Lucien replied, "Moreover, my father will definitely not become friends with your uncle; his only friend is King Louis.
Father, I am here said Joseph
On the other hand, that old man said to me when he was sending me to school: 'Rapha, you know that the Louis XIV School is one of the best schools. Only two types of people can study here. One type is those who are very wealthy or hold a high status, and the other type is those who are exceptionally talented. Rapha, you know I am very frugal, and I also believe that frugality is a virtue. But do you really think that I became wealthy because I am more frugal than others? No, it is not that; it is because I know where money is most efficiently spent. I spend money to make connections, sending you to the Louis XIV School serves two purposes.
"Lafa, are you sure your father will consider me a talented person worth investing in?" Joseph asked again
The "Friends of Youth" is, in fact, a prototype of such a political party. Although its members are diverse, including nobles like Armand, who live comfortably, nobles like Joseph, who struggle financially, well-off merchant offspring like Raphael, and children from poor families like Aurelien. Their personalities also vary: Armand is extroverted and flamboyant; Raphael is seasoned and easygoing; while Aurelien is usually quiet but resolute and decisive when it comes to action. However, they all share a common view on one matter: the current system in France is extremely unfair and must be reformed. Yet, there is still no complete consensus among them on how exactly this reform should be carried out.
In fact, compared to those well-informed individuals of later generations, the young men in the "Friends of Youth" club are much more naive and easier to deceive. Therefore, although these individuals still have some political differences today, Joseph has successfully transformed his views into a common program for the entire club. As a result, he has become the spiritual leader of this club. Now, he is about to temporarily leave Paris. Several classmates have taken leave to come to the station to see him off. As a result, he has become the spiritual leader of this club. Now, he is about to temporarily leave Paris. Several classmates have taken leave to come to the station to see him off
"Take good care of the family at home..." This was Carlo's last words to Joseph
Joseph knew that many of these young people, who now seem very immature and whose ideas appear laughably naive, later became prominent figures in the great revolution; and what now seems to be merely a small circle of children gathering together for their own amusement also transformed into later political parties. For instance, the famous Jacobin Club initially started as just a club.
This statement is actually quite smooth, especially the last sentence. However, the youth of this era, having not been exposed to the diplomatic jargon of a certain country's foreign ministry in later generations, find Joseph's words quite reasonable. Yet, they overlook the most critical aspect of this sentence, which is who constitutes the people and who represents the people
Carlo's condition progressed rapidly. By the time Joseph returned to Corsica, he was already in a state of impending death. For most of the day, he remained in a coma, and the time he was able to regain consciousness did not exceed two hours in a day. At this point, the doctors were completely at a loss.
"That is true. However, my father is willing to spend money when it is truly necessary," Rafael shook his head and said, "You have no idea, he strictly controls every single penny of mine. Beyond just having enough to eat, I can't even have an extra beer. According to that old man's reasoning, drinking beer is less efficient than eating black bread when it comes to filling one's stomach.
First, you can learn many skills here, many of which I cannot teach you; second, you can meet many capable individuals there and become friends with them, which will make it more convenient for you in your future endeavors. Therefore, I have never been stingy in such matters
This is some material that has accumulated here over the past two years, and it has been piling up for almost six months... You know, I don't have that much time to deal with these things. Anyway, it has already been delayed, so you don't need to rush, take your time, as they are not in a hurry over there either." After handing these items to Joseph, who had just taken leave and was preparing to return to Corsica, Armand said this to him.
Lucian looked at Amang and laughed heartily, saying: "Classmate Amang, I believe that perhaps one day you will also be renowned in history. However, my father once said: 'A poet, even a poet who is renowned in history, is not a good investment object. At least, not while he is still alive.'"
"Lafa," Amang exclaimed, "your father is truly an extraordinary man! Perhaps I should introduce my uncle to your father. They would surely become friends."
Of course, because I believe this way, and my father believes: first, my loyalty to him is beyond question. Second, among the people he knows, there are only a few who are both loyal and capable of recognizing whether a person is talented and has a promising future, and I am certainly one of them. Moreover, my father has said: 'In business, there is no guarantee of profit, only certain loss. Taking risks is inherently part of doing business.' Rafael replied, and furthermore, my father has said: 'In business, there is no guarantee of profit, only certain loss. Taking risks is inherently part of doing business.' Rafael replied, 'I believe that although it is uncertain, Joseph, you may one day be a person of historical significance.'
Having said this, he tipped his hat to a few people and then turned to board the carriage
Aurelian opposed any form of monarchy; one of his uncles had followed General Lafayette and fought against the British in North America. From him, Aurelian heard countless stories about the United States. Thus, he became a staunch supporter of republicanism. He opposed any monarch and firmly believed that France should become a republic
"Rafa, didn't you say that your father is very stingy?" Oreino asked
"Rapha is right, our club cannot be without you," said another short fellow named Honoré, who, like Joseph, lived entirely on a scholarship, thus forming a closer emotional bond with Joseph.
"Joseph ... ... " Carlo said in a faint voice
In this era, European doctors primarily relied on bloodletting as the sole method for treating more serious illnesses. Gastric cancer, even in later times, can be fatal if not detected in a timely manner. During this period, there was neither the technical capability to detect it early nor the ability to treat it once discovered. Thus, at this point, the doctor straightforwardly informed everyone: "What Mr. Carlo needs now is not a doctor, but a priest"
Napoleon also returned, arriving a day earlier than Joseph. When Joseph came back, the whole family was gathered together. By that evening, Carlo once again temporarily regained consciousness, and the priest began to offer his final prayers by his side, while his wife held his hand and the children surrounded him. His gaze shifted from his wife to the children, finally resting on Joseph.
The club referred to by Rafa is a small group called "Friends of Youth." It is composed of a group of young people who have vastly different lifestyles and attitudes, yet share a common dissatisfaction with reality and a plethora of naive imaginations about the future. In fact, such youth are quite numerous in various schools across contemporary France.