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塞缪尔·斯迈尔斯:自助论·摘录 43

塞缪尔·斯迈尔斯《自助论》· Self-Help · 领导

Even when a boy, Watt found science in his toys. The quadrants lying about his father’s carpenter’s shop led him to the study of optics and astronomy; his ill health induced him to pry into the secrets of physiology; and his solitary walks through the country attracted him to the study of botany and history. While carrying on the business of a mathematical-instrument maker, he received an order to build an organ; and, though without an ear for music, he undertook the study of harmonics, and successfully constructed the instrument. And, in like manner, when the little model of Newcomen’s steam-engine, belonging to the University of Glasgow, was placed in his hands to repair, he forthwith set himself to learn all that was then known about heat, evaporation, and condensation,—at the same time plodding his way in mechanics and the science of construction,—the results of which he at length embodied in his condensing steam-engine.

出处: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/935
定位:Excerpt 43 · 核对日期:2026-10-19 · 核验:短摘录

白话

瓦特从小就在玩具和日常事物里发现科学。父亲的木匠铺里的象限仪让他迷上光学和天文;体弱多病促使他探究生理学;乡间独行又引他研究植物和历史。做数学仪器匠时,有人请他造风琴,他虽不懂音乐,却硬是研究声学原理,成功造出乐器。后来格拉斯哥大学请他修理纽科门蒸汽机模型,他借此钻研热、蒸发和冷凝的知识,同时苦攻机械与结构,最终发明了冷凝式蒸汽机。他的秘诀是:把每个任务都当成学习机会,边做边补知识,不放过任何好奇。

上下文

斯迈尔斯在《自助》中讲述瓦特生平,用具体事例说明好奇心与钻研精神如何成就发明家。

今日一问

你手头哪件平常事,可以变成一次主动学习的机会?

公版作品;原文逐字取自 Project Gutenberg,仅摘录段落并附全书链接。

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