I have just read the book Do No Harm: Stories of Life, Death and Brain Surgery by Henry Marsh (2014). He is the same neurosurgeon the 2007 film The English Surgeon was about: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1200060/ Well worth a read or a watch, in my view. Henry and I studied together at our Oxford college. He was reading PPE like me, not medicine - he only took up brain surgery later, oddly enough, and eventually became one of the greatest neurosurgeons of the day. He shows hugely impressive brilliance, commitment, generosity, and honesty, although he still has more than a touch of the arrogance and impatience I remember. His CBE was richly deserved and should have been a knighthood IMHO
some of the people involved in the PPE industry ( HSE ) could be doing with a bit of brain surgery !!
It is really bizarre how the honours are distributed. I was watching some stuff on Youtube a few days ago, notably the Jonathan Ross' interview of Sir Ben Kingsley. Now, Ben Kingsley is a fine actor. Should he have a knighthood? Perhaps. Should Helen Mirren be a Dame? Quite possibly. But it seems to me that thespians are always being knighted, whereas musicians seldom are. Sir Mick Jagger and Sir Elton John and Dame Shirley Bassey, fair enough. What about a Sir David Bowie (you'd think as one of the most influential British artists of the last 40 odd years, he would merit it). In a bit of a different league to Shirley Bassey. I also can't fathom out why it is not Sir David Gilmour - creator of some of the world's best-selling music, one of the most influential rock guitarists and creator of the world's favourite guitar solo (Comfortably Numb). As an artist, he has far more right to a knighthood, I would say, than Ben Kingsley. He has touched far more people. And what about a Sir Brian Eno? The guy is a complete legend in terms of musical influence (having worked with everyone). I'm all in favour of brain surgeons getting knighthoods. I'm a lot less in favour of the ennoblement of politicians.
Nice post glidd, Bowie turned down a knighthood in 2003 tho ... while we're thinking about it tho how about Phil Collins, ok so he's not the coolest artiste out there but by christ he's worked hard and again with everyone. Fine drummer too. Clapton ffs hasn't got one !!! Mike Oldfield even!!! Jimmy Page nor Robert Fripp, oh hang on ... Posthumously, John Martyn, for services to fighting, and being brilliant Then again there is always the question of actually wanting one? Does John Lydon have one?
If you're going to give one to Elton John (deserved in my view) then it's hard to argue with Phil Collins (however much I dislike his music personally).
The essence of it is for the person to have done something above and beyond the call of duty. Something like advancing the state of an art or a science or a sport, or helping people in need, or improving the state of a public service, or giving pleasure to a great number of people, or enhancing Britain's position in the world, or shouldering heavy responsibilities. Just doing the job you are paid to do is not enough, and anybody who seeks or asks for an honour doesn't get one. That's how much it is, since you asked.
So what's your point? The Wiki article is about a series of controversies a decade or so ago concerning peerages. Nothing in it has anything to do with the points I made in my post.
point is, the honours system is widely believed to be corrupt - large donors to political parties tend to receive honours whilst others who have benefitted mankind can be ignored
have you thought of asking Nick Clegg Finm ? 'Cash for honours' scandal escalates | Scottish National Party
I know someone who just got their honours and I can tell you, he is proud. An academic and a real gentleman. When I seen the photos, I kind of realised its purpose. Forget the muppets and appreciate that there are others that genuinely deserve it and would never have expected to receive it.
@wroughtironron nick cleg can ram it. might have a wee word with my mate alex, see what he can do for me.
Prince Charles was made a Field Marshal, Admiral of the Fleet and Marshal of the Royal Air Force in the Honours list by his mum. My mum made me a jar of jam
