African Entrepreneurship Record

Chapter 130: Chapter 124 Rudolph’s Transformation

The issue of drinking water safety is a major concern, not something to be taken lightly. In the past, Africans would rather drink murky water from shallow pits than dig wells.

There’s no special reason for this; it’s a matter of perception. Perhaps Africans are more inclined to believe that bacteria and viruses are merely Western conspiracies.

After all, African Black people have survived in such conditions for thousands of years, continuing to thrive. Even a terrifying disease like AIDS appears feeble before Africans.

In the past, two South African presidents openly declared that AIDS was not caused by a virus but was a result of poverty, highlighting the mindset of Africans.

It’s important to note that those who become South African presidents are among the most elite in Africa, yet they still hold such anti-intellectual views. Consider the mindset of the African masses, steeped in superstition and lacking in knowledge.

Perhaps AIDS is not formidable enough, unlike the Ebola virus, which commands respect.

Of course, Ernst feels there is some validity to the conspiracy theories held by African people and politicians, considering that all those terrifying diseases in Africa erupted after Western colonial arrivals (around the 1950s).

Currently, the most terrifying disease in Africa, which also hinders European countries from developing Africa, is ”malaria.” Compared to other incurable diseases, it seems somewhat less significant.

Malaria can, in fact, be eradicated. This is not an empty statement. The former Huaxia eradicated malaria (with thirty million cases in the early founding years), and it is well known that mosquitoes transmit malaria, yet mosquitoes were not eradicated.

However, through comprehensive planning and immense determination, Huaxia eliminated malaria. Even India, which suffered from malaria as much as Africa did for years, managed to suppress it to a very low level.

Yet Africa, in the past, was indeed a paradise of diseases. Malaria, as an ancient virus in Africa, has not weakened over a hundred years; it has only grown stronger.

Ernst firmly believes that Africa is truly lacking in disease prevention, as many countries with the same latitude and environment do not share such outrageous conditions (Haiti excluded).

Though the East African colonies are somewhat impoverished, they are determined to fight diseases. Ernst is also keen on educating the populace about the relevant knowledge. Of course, they may choose not to listen, but if they dare to not act...

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Rudolph had completely lost the enthusiasm he had at the beginning. In the past, Rudolph was forced by Franz to undergo the austere and demanding royal education of the Austria-Hungary Empire.

Though it was tough, it was nothing compared to the learning arranged by Ernst. What was once considered hard was now sheer torture.

The essence of exam-oriented education is such that it tests one’s patience to the extreme. The test papers and assignments seem endless.

And these assignments were put to good use by Ernst, sent to the Austria-Hungary royal family for inspection by Empress Dowager Sophie and Franz.

When a pile of test papers and assignments are placed before them, they cannot claim that Ernst does not take Rudolph’s education seriously.

According to Ernst’s own assumption, Franz might review his son’s educational achievements on the first day, but when a never-ending stream of assignments keeps coming his way, he probably won’t look at them a second time. Thus, Ernst’s goal was achieved.

Influenced by Rudolph, there were a dozen or so students from the Heixinggen Military Academy who also suffered alongside him, all relatively young in age.

To recreate the educational atmosphere of the past, Ernst tried his best to restore the scene.

When misfortune befalls someone, it’s undoubtedly painful and torturous. However, when more unfortunate individuals emerge, some worse off than oneself, it becomes schadenfreude.

That’s the case with Rudolph. Ernst deliberately selected a group of excellent, high-IQ geniuses along with a few average students.

Due to Rudolph’s earlier education in Austria and his extensive learning, his knowledge far exceeded that of the Heixinggen students (the Heixinggen Military Academy had fewer courses and knowledge points), thus initially receiving frequent commendations.

But as those geniuses gradually absorbed these knowledge points, the gap between them and Rudolph visibly narrowed by the day.

This placed immense pressure on Rudolph, especially in the exams, where each score approached rapidly (the Heixinggen Military Academy students had not been exposed to these courses before).

”Rudolph, 97 points, your score is still the highest in the class, but your progress isn’t obvious; you need to work harder,” said the class teacher, Alfred Essenbezer, to Rudolph.

Alfred Essenbezer found Ernst’s demanded educational approach very intriguing. This was a modified version of Prussian compulsory education.

The difference lies in the endless assignments and exams, using a percentage system, without having to explain all the questions and answers; just the key points need to be explained, leaving other tasks to the students.

In other words, his responsibilities had not changed much, while the students’ workload multiplied several times. From Alfred Essenbezer’s own experience, even he might not be able to complete the amount of work, yet these students managed to do it. Although the quality wasn’t high, it was undeniably impressive.

”Yes, sir!” Rudolph replied, feeling both relieved and a little nervous.

”Well then, take a good look at where your problems lie,” Alfred Essenbezer said.

”David Zhang, 93 points, this score is very good. You’ve improved a lot since the last time. Keep up the good work.