#lady thatcher

[themaninthegreenshirt]

Mrs Thatcher

[isomorphismes]

[Political success] does not really sink in … because there is … so much work to do. [O]ne is constantly thinking of…the future… the longer you are here and the more experience[d] you become, the more…you think about the future.

Lady Thatcher, summer 1988

[isomorphismes]

although basic science can have colossal economic rewards, they are totally unpredictable. And therefore the rewards cannot be judged by immediate results. Nevertheless the value of Faraday's work today must be higher than the capitalisation of all the shares on the Stock Exchange! Indeed it is astonishing how quickly the benefits of curiosity driven research sometimes appear. During the Great War, our then President J. J. Thompson, cited the use of X-rays in locating and assessing the damage of bullet wounds. The value of the saving of life and limb was beyond calculation yet X-rays had only been accidentally discovered in 1895! Second, no nation has unlimited funds, and it will have even less if it wastes them. A commitment to basic science cannot mean a blank cheque for everyone with—if I may put it colloquially—a bee in his bonnet. That would spread the honey too thinly. So what projects to support? Politicians can't decide and heaven knows it is difficult enough for our own Advisory Body of Scientists to say yea or nay to the many applications. I have always had a great deal of sympathy for Max Perutz 's view that we should be ready to support those teams, however small, which can demonstrate the intellectual flair and leadership which is driven by intense curiosity and dedication. A good researcher is keenly competitive and wants to be first. The final stage of the race for the DNA structure was as exciting as any Olympic marathon. The natural desire of gifted people to excel and gain the credit for their work must be harnessed. It is a great source of intellectual energy. We accept that we cannot measure the value of the work by economic output but this is no argument for lack of careful management in the way specific projects are conducted. The money is not for top-heavy administration but for research. If only we could cut some £20 million from very large scale projects—where the non-scientists sometimes outnumber the scientists—that money could provide support for hundreds of young researchers whose requirements are measured in thousands of pounds.

Margaret Thatcher, Speech to the Royal Society, September 27, 1988

[themaninthegreenshirt]

“I think of her as an old-fashioned British patriot who saw the country going to the dogs and said, “We’re going to rescue it.” She had a very clear conception of old, lower-middle-class virtues—frugality, responsibility and so on. This was displayed in events like the Falklands War, when her instinct was immediately to ask, “What is the threat? What shall we do?” The “we” feeling was very, very strong.” Sir Roger Scruton on Mrs Thatcher  

[guyanesegirlsrock]

Guyanese Philanthropist, Gina Miller, is hailed "Woman of the Century" after winning BREXIT Lawsuit Philanthropist Gina Miller has created quite a stir in the UK after she challenged the recent BREXIT decision in court and won! Born in Guyana, the 51-year-old wealth manager grew up in the UK and is also a former model. Described as “feisty” and a “natural fighter” Gina ... http://wp.me/p7a9Nh-1H1

[timdodds]

Last week I was among large audience at St Paul’s Church, Camberley to listen to Charles Moore. He’s the latest in an impressive list of speakers at the their Speakers Corner, which involves leading public figures discussing how issues of faith engage with the concerns of everyday life.

These Speakers Corner talks are illuminating and enjoyable. Those I’ve listened to include General Sir Richard Dannatt [and yes I bought his book – dedicated again]; a stirring and thought provoking talk from Claudia Sturt a Deputy Director of the Prison Service;  and a heartfelt personal story from Jonathan Aitken. Everyone a thoroughly entertaining evening.

Charles Moore’s talk, “Christianity in Politics – God and Mrs Thatcher”, drew from his book –  Margaret Thatcher, Margaret Thatcher: The Authorized Biography, Volume Two: Everything She Wants (Authorised Biog Vol 2). I bought a copy – hard back version, all 811 pages. It sitting proudly on our coffee table. Well I did get it dedicated and signed by Charles.

I recorded Charles talk. Must say the audio quality isn’t as good as I’d wish, and I’ve deleted some of the question and answer session as my soundtrack suffered from feedback. I shouldn’t have asked a question as I think the microphone clashed with my recorder. Even so, it does contain a fascinating response from Charles about Mrs Thatcher and Nelson Mandela (near the end of the recording).

Charles Moore on God and Mrs Thatcher

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“Christianity in Politics – God and Mrs Thatcher” – Charles Moore at St Paul’s Church Speakers Corner Last week I was among large audience at St Paul's Church, Camberley to listen to…