72 Kant: A Biographynotifying the king in 1737 of his pact with the devil. While they were un¬
successful in having him removed, it is not difficult to imagine the sensa¬
tion this created in Königsberg.^48 Flottwell, as a Wolffian taking the side
of the orthodox, reported with disgust to Gottsched: "our theological fac¬
ulty consists of men who either have perjured themselves more than once,
like Dr. Schulz, or who are stupid, like Dr. Kypke, or who are conceited
and envious, like Dr. Arnoldt, or who have become a friend with the devil
himself..."^49
This was more or less the situation at the University of Königsberg when
Kant entered it in 1740. Though Frederick II had promised change, the
change was not quick in coming. It was still very important, especially for
those who intended to study theology, to choose the right courses and the
right teachers — and the right teachers were still Pietists or those who were
sufficiently close to them. Kant was probably aware of this from the be¬
ginning, and if he was not, he would have been made aware of it by the
following event as related by Heilsberg:Kant introduced Wlömer and me to teachings about ordinary life and customs. One
should acquaint oneself with all the sciences and exclude none, not even theology. [It
should be studied] even if one did not intend to earn one's living by it. We, that is,
Wlömer, Kant, and I [Heilsberg] decided therefore to attend in the next semester the
public readings of Schulz... who is still highly esteemed. We did it. We did not miss
an hour and we took copious notes, and we repeated the lectures at home so well that
we passed the exams, which this honorable man often administered, with such high
grades that he asked all three of us to stay behind at the end of the last lecture. He asked
us about our names, our [knowledge of] languages, our teachers, and about our inten¬
tions in studying. Kant said he wanted to become a medical doctor.... [He asked:] "Why
are you studying theology?" (It was, unless I am mistaken, systematic theology.) Kant
answered: "from thirst of knowledge," to which the great man answered: "Well, if that
is the case, then I have no objections, but if you change your mind before you graduate,
and if you choose the calling of the preacher, call on me with confidence. You shall have
the choice of a position in the country or one of the cities. I can promise you this, and
I will, if I am still alive, keep my word. Here, take my hand and leave in peace."^50
If Kant had not already known the importance of such connections, he knew
now. His answer reveals a certain confidence in his abilities, and a sense of
how important it was to him to be free to study anything he wanted. When
he attended Schulz's lectures after his first two years at the university, he
was interested in them for philosophical reasons. Kant could easily have
entered the ministry. He had all the right qualifications, but he lacked any
inclination to pursue this course.