John James Audubon was a famous American ornithologist, naturalist and painter. His major published book entitled The Birds of North America is considered one of the finest ornithological works ever completed, and his works are recognized as “US National Treasure”, not only distinguishing themselves as works of art, but also providing important evidence for scientific research since he documented and illustrated American birds’ habitual characteristics in detail.
No one would deny that for so precious legacy Audubon left for us, he made great determination, devoted himself all, and sacrificed a lot. From his earliest days, Audubon had an affinity for birds. "I felt an intimacy with them...bordering on frenzy that must accompany my steps through life."
As he continued his pursuit in studying birds, he developed into naturalist and taxidermist at a museum. But only after a short stay, Audubon left the museum, decided to find and paint all the birds of North America, and to illustrate his findings in a more realistic manner than most artists did then.
Ambitiously enough, with only his gun, paint box, and an assistant, he started into Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida in search of ornithological specimens. Even though his obsession with the career impaired his family life, he insisted on continuing it.
Audubon did not stop working until his failing health could not allow him. His story teaches us how a belief would influence one person’s life road, and how a heart of devotion could create treasure for the whole world.
约翰•詹姆斯•奥杜邦
约翰•詹姆斯•奥杜邦是美国著名的鸟类学家、博物学家、画家。他的主要出版著作《美洲鸟类》被认为是有史以来最好的鸟类著作之一;他的鸟类图鉴被称作“美国国宝”，详细记述了美洲鸟类的生活习性，不仅是艺术品，也为科学研究提供了重要证据。
没人会否认奥杜邦为我们留下了这么宝贵的财富是因为他的决心、奉献和牺牲。在他小时候，他就和鸟类有亲近之感：“我觉得和它们很亲密……我对它们有种狂热，而这狂热将伴随我一生的每一步。”随着他研究鸟类的深入，他成为了一个博物馆的自然学家和标本剥制师。但是不久之后，他离开了博物馆，下定决心去寻找和描绘出美洲的所有鸟类，并将他的发现以一种更现实的方式表达出来。带着足够的野心、一支枪、一个画箱和一个助手，他开始了前往密西西比、阿拉巴马和佛罗里达的鸟类探索之旅。即使因为他对这项事业的迷恋影响了他的家庭生活，他仍旧坚持着。
奥杜邦一直工作，直到他的身体日渐衰弱。他的故事教导我们信仰会怎样影响一个人的人生道路以及一颗奉献的心会给世界带来多么宝贵的财富。
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