John Ruskin and one of the greatest transformations of all time (ChatGPT Lectures No. I)
In our time, we have to manage multidimensional global transformations. Wouldn't it be good to have a blueprint for a successful global transformation to learn from? One of the greatest transformations of all time was the transformation of the "British Empire" into a new "Common Wealth of Nations".
In this ChatGPT Lecture No. I, we ask ChatGPT to reflect on the importance of Ruskin, Rhodes and the Roundtables Movement to this "Great Transformation". Lessons learned:
It can be helpful to combine vision, thought leaders, influential followers, and a movement that supports the vision and its leaders. We begin first with a key text by John Ruskin that has been quite relevant in inspiring further historical development, and then we will ask ChatGPT (or Bing) on the role of key players in this Great Transformation of the British Empire.
Lessons learned II:
If ChatGPT does not give you an answer, try Bing (Chat).
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1. Who is the author of "Imperial Duty" and what is it about?
Bing (because ChatGPT failed):
“Imperial Duty” is a lecture delivered by John Ruskin at Oxford on 8 February 1870.?In this lecture, Ruskin introduced the theme of Imperial Duty as Britain’s destiny and how Britain had a mission to found colonies and settle them with young men who would advance the power of the home country.
"There is a destiny now possible to us ”” the highest ever set before a nation to be accepted or refused. We are still undegenerate in race; a race mingled of the best northern blood. We are not yet dissolute in temper, but still have the firmness to govern, and the grace to obey. We have been taught a religion of pure mercy, which we must either now betray, or learn to defend by fulfilling. And we are rich in an inheritance of honour, bequeathed to us through a thousand years of noble history, which it should be our daily thirst to increase with splendid avarice, so that Englishmen, if it be a sin to covet honour, should be the most offending souls alive.?Within the last few years we have had the laws of natural science opened to us with a rapidity which has been blinding by its brightness; and means of transit and communication given to us, which have made but one kingdom of the habitable globe. One kingdom; but who is to be its king? Is there to be no king in it, think you, and every man to do that which is right in his own eyes? Or only kings of terror, and the obscene empires of Mammon and Belial??Or will you, youths of England, make your country again a royal throne of kings; a sceptred isle,?for all the world a source of light, a centre for peace; mistress of Learning and of the Arts; ”” faithful guardian of great memories in the midst of irreverent and ephemeral visions; ”” faithful servant of time-tried principles, under temptation from fond experiments and licentious desires; and amidst the cruel and clamorous jealousies of the nations, worshipped in her strange valour of goodwill towards men?
"Vexilla regis prodeunt."??Yes, but of which king? There are the two oriflammes;?which shall we plant on the farthest islands, ”” the one that floats in heavenly fire, or that hangs heavy with foul tissue of terrestrial gold? There is indeed a course of beneficent glory open to us, such as never was yet offered to any poor group of mortal souls. But it must be ”” it is with us, now, "Reign or Die." And if it shall be said of this country,?"fece per viltate, il gran rifiuto;"??that refusal of the crown will be, of all yet recorded in history, the shamefullest and most untimely.
And this is what she must either do, or perish: she must found colonies as fast and as far as she is able, formed of her most energetic and worthiest men; ”” seizing every piece of fruitful waste ground she can set her foot on, and there teaching these her colonists that their chief virtue is to be fidelity to their country, and that their first aim is to be to advance the power of England by land and sea: and that, though they live on a distant plot of ground, they are no more to consider themselves therefore disenfranchised from their native land, than the sailors of her fleets do, because they float on distant waves. So that literally, these colonies must be fastened fleets; and every man of them must be under authority of captains and officers, whose better command is to be over fields and streets instead of ships of the line; and England, in these her motionless navies (or, in the true and mightiest sense, motionless?churches, ruled by pilots on the Galilean lake?of all the world), is to "expect every man to do his duty;"?recognising that duty is indeed possible no less in peace than war; and that if we can get men, for little pay, to cast themselves against cannon-mouths for love of England, we may find men also who will plough and sow for her, who will behave kindly and righteously for her, who will bring up their children to love her, and who will gladden themselves in the brightness of her glory, more than in all the light of tropic skies.
But that they may be able to do this, she must make her won majesty stainless; she must give them thoughts of their home of which they can be proud. The England who is to be mistress of half the earth, cannot remain herself a heap of cinders, trampled by contending and miserable crowds; she must yet again become the England she was once, and in all beautiful ways, ”” more: so happy, so secluded, and so pure, that in her sky ”” polluted by no unholy clouds ”” she may be able to spell rightly of every star that heaven doth show; and in her fields, ordered and wide and fair, of every herb that sips the dew; and under the green avenues of her enchanted garden, a sacred Circe,?true Daughter of the Sun, she must guide the human arts, and gather the divine knowledge, of distant nations, transformed from savageness to manhood, and redeemed from despairing into peace.
You think that an impossible ideal. Be it is; refuse to accept it if you will; but see that you form your own in its stead. All that I ask of you is to have a fixed purpose of some kind for your country and yourselves; no matter how restricted, so that it be fixed and unselfish."
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2. Who was John Ruskin?
ChatGPT:
John Ruskin was a prominent English art critic, social thinker, writer, and artist who lived from 1819 to 1900. He was born in London, England, and became one of the leading figures of the Victorian era.
Ruskin's writings and ideas had a profound impact on a wide range of subjects, including art, architecture, aesthetics, social and economic issues, and the relationship between humanity and nature. He played a crucial role in shaping the fields of art criticism and cultural theory.
Ruskin's works were influential in the development of the Pre-Raphaelite movement, which sought to return to the detailed and vibrant style of early Italian Renaissance painting. He advocated for the appreciation of art and beauty in everyday life and believed that art had the power to improve society and the human condition.
In addition to his contributions to the field of art criticism, Ruskin also wrote extensively on social and economic matters. He criticized the effects of industrialization and capitalism, advocating for fair treatment of workers, the preservation of natural environments, and the importance of craftsmanship.
Some of his notable works include "Modern Painters," "The Seven Lamps of Architecture," "The Stones of Venice," and "Unto This Last." His writings blended art criticism, social commentary, and philosophical reflections, addressing themes such as the nature of beauty, the moral responsibilities of society, and the relationship between art and morality.
John Ruskin's ideas and writings continue to be studied and debated by scholars today, and his influence on the fields of art, architecture, and social thought remains significant.
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3. How did John Ruskin influence the transformation of the British Empire into the Common Wealth of Nations?
ChatGPT:
John Ruskin's influence on the transformation of the British Empire into the Commonwealth of Nations is not direct or explicit. However, his ideas and philosophies, particularly his emphasis on social responsibility and the welfare of society, may have indirectly influenced the broader social and political climate that contributed to the evolution of the Empire into the Commonwealth.
John Ruskin was a prominent Victorian art critic, social thinker, and advocate for the betterment of society. His writings critiqued the negative effects of industrialization and capitalism, emphasizing the importance of social justice, craftsmanship, and the integration of art into everyday life. Ruskin's ideas were influential during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and contributed to the rise of various social and political movements.
The transformation of the British Empire into the Commonwealth of Nations was a gradual process that unfolded over several decades, beginning in the early 20th century. It was driven by multiple factors, including changing attitudes towards imperialism, the desire for self-governance among colonial territories, and the recognition of the need for greater cooperation and equality within the Empire.
During this period, there was a growing acknowledgment that colonial subjects should have a voice in the governance of their own countries and that the Empire should transition towards a more cooperative and equal partnership. These sentiments were reflected in various political movements, intellectual discourse, and evolving international norms.
While Ruskin's influence cannot be directly attributed to the transformation of the British Empire into the Commonwealth of Nations, his ideas about social responsibility, fairness, and the welfare of society resonated with broader trends towards inclusivity and a more equitable relationship between Britain and its colonies. The development of the Commonwealth of Nations can be seen as part of a broader shift in thinking about empire and governance, influenced by evolving social, political, and philosophical ideas of the time.
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4. What was the influence of John Ruskin on Cecil Rhodes?
ChatGPT:
John Ruskin had a significant influence on Cecil Rhodes, particularly in shaping Rhodes's views on imperialism and the role of wealthy individuals in society. Cecil Rhodes (1853-1902) was a British businessman, mining magnate, and politician who played a major role in the expansion of the British Empire in Southern Africa, where modern-day Zimbabwe and Zambia are located.
Ruskin's influential work titled "Unto This Last" had a profound impact on Rhodes. In this book, Ruskin criticized the effects of unregulated capitalism and argued for a more equitable society. He advocated for the idea that wealthy individuals have a responsibility to use their wealth and power for the betterment of society.
Rhodes, who was already a successful businessman and mining entrepreneur, took Ruskin's ideas to heart. He saw himself as one of the wealthy individuals who had a duty to fulfill a larger mission in the world. Rhodes believed that the British Empire was the vehicle through which he could bring progress, order, and civilization to less developed parts of the world.
Inspired by Ruskin's ideals, Rhodes became a strong advocate for British imperialism. He played a key role in expanding British influence and control in Southern Africa, primarily through the establishment of the British South Africa Company, which later became the basis for Rhodesia, named after Cecil Rhodes.
Rhodes's ambition and imperialistic endeavors were driven by a combination of personal interests, nationalist sentiments, and the belief that he was fulfilling a larger mission for the benefit of humanity. While his actions were controversial and had lasting impacts, it is clear that Ruskin's ideas on duty, wealth, and social responsibility influenced Rhodes's worldview and his approach to imperialism.
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5. Did Rhodes mention Ruskin in his will?
ChatGPT:
Yes, Cecil Rhodes mentioned John Ruskin in his last will and testament. Cecil Rhodes was a British businessman, politician, and imperialist who played a significant role in the colonization of Africa. In his will, Rhodes outlined his vision for the establishment of the Rhodes Scholarships, which would allow students from various countries to study at the University of Oxford.
Rhodes referred to the influence of John Ruskin, an influential Victorian-era art critic and social thinker, in shaping his ideals and aspirations. Rhodes wrote in his will:
"I contend that we are the finest race in the world and that the more of the world we inhabit, the better it is for the human race. Just fancy those parts that are at present inhabited by the most despicable specimens of human beings... Why should we not form a secret society with but one object, the furtherance of the British Empire and the bringing of the whole uncivilised world under British rule, for the recovery of the United States, for making the Anglo-Saxon race but one Empire?"
Rhodes was deeply influenced by Ruskin's ideas of social responsibility and the belief in the moral duty of the upper classes to serve society. Ruskin's writings, particularly his book "Unto This Last," emphasized the importance of social justice and the responsibility of wealth and power. Rhodes adopted these ideals and incorporated them into his vision of British imperialism and the spread of British influence across the world.
It is important to note that Rhodes' views and actions have been the subject of much controversy and criticism, particularly due to the impact of colonialism and the negative consequences it had on indigenous populations.
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6. How did Cecil Rhodes influence the Roundtable Movement?
ChatGPT:
Cecil Rhodes had a significant influence on the formation of the Round Table Movement, particularly through the Rhodes Scholarships and his vision of a global Anglo-American network.
The Round Table Movement, also known as the Round Table Groups, was an association of intellectuals and influential figures primarily from Britain and its dominions. It aimed to promote closer cooperation and unity within the British Empire and later evolved into a forum for discussions on international affairs and the establishment of think tanks such as the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House).
Cecil Rhodes established the Rhodes Scholarships in his will, which provided funds for exceptional students from British colonies, the United States, and Germany to study at the University of Oxford. The scholarships were intended to foster leadership and bring together promising young individuals who would play a role in shaping the future of their respective countries and the British Empire as a whole.
The Rhodes Scholarships played a crucial role in creating a network of talented individuals who shared similar ideals and were connected through their experiences at Oxford. Many Rhodes Scholars became influential figures in politics, academia, and public service, and they often maintained connections and collaborated with each other even after their studies.
This network of Rhodes Scholars and their shared experiences helped lay the foundation for the Round Table Movement. The Round Table Groups drew on the idea of fostering closer ties and cooperation within the British Empire and aimed to shape imperial policy and promote the concept of a "British Commonwealth of Nations."
While Cecil Rhodes himself did not live to see the formal establishment of the Round Table Movement, his vision and the network of Rhodes Scholars he created played a crucial role in shaping the ideals, values, and connections that would eventually contribute to the formation of the movement. The Round Table Movement carried forward Rhodes's vision of an Anglo-American network and a united British Empire, which had a significant impact on discussions and policies concerning imperial governance and international relations in the early 20th century.
7. How did the Roundtable Movement support the transformation of the British Empire into a Common Wealth of Nations?
ChatGPT:
The Round Table Movement played a significant role in supporting the transformation of the British Empire into the Commonwealth of Nations. The movement, which emerged in the early 20th century, aimed to foster closer cooperation and unity within the British Empire and later contributed to the development of the Commonwealth.
Here are some ways in which the Round Table Movement supported this transformation:
It is important to note that the transformation of the British Empire into the Commonwealth of Nations was a complex and gradual process influenced by various factors, including changing attitudes towards imperialism, demands for self-governance, and global shifts in geopolitics. The Round Table Movement, with its emphasis on cooperation, self-governance, and shared values, contributed to this transformation by providing a platform for dialogue, policy development, and advocacy for a more inclusive and cooperative imperial framework.