Tower and Town, March 2020

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Editorial: Polymathic Pleasures

Some years ago, the late Dr Robert Ornstein, early expounder of the left brain and right brain theory, published a book entitled Healthy Pleasures. Recently reading it again gave me the idea for the polymathic theme of this edition of Tower and Town.

From the earliest days it is important, nay vital, to develop and train as many aspects of the brain and body as possible. Self-cultivation, as the great Victorian, Sir Richard Burton, expounded is an imperative for human survival and wellbeing.

Here in Marlborough, we are blessed with two outstanding secondary schools educating more than two and a half thousand students (Marlborough College and St John’s Academy). Teenagers beaver away to fit themselves for academic qualifications leading to financial security but they are also engaged in a huge range of further activities that will test them and challenge them – no gain without pain – but lead to pleasure and satisfaction in later life. William Morris who entered Marlborough College in the winter of 1848 became a textile and furniture designer, poet, translator and social activist. The author William Golding was educated at the Grammar School and developed skills in acting, teaching, music and sailing.

The Marlborough College Summer School is an amazing enterprise that develops folk of all ages in many, many ways. These days we are especially aware of the importance of continued development after retirement as we live longer and face the threat of mental and physical deterioration.

Isn’t it true that we admire those who have developed multi skills – true polymaths? The great Winston Churchill: soldier, orator, writer, statesman, horseman, bricklayer and artist is a fine example as was Burton himself (see page 3). How many high achievers listed on the walls of the College Chapel and Town Hall were also polymaths (see Robert Twigger’s comments: page 4)?

Many of us are polymaths or will know others closer to home. This magazine concentrates on how to develop skills and describes examples of abundant skills honed by neighbours, friends and friends of friends.

Neil Hall