Being in between my post-grad semesters, I am able to read without the guilt that I should be reading a text book. I calculated that in order to read the recommended 1001 books to read before you die, I will have to read a book every 3 weeks between now and whenĀ I am eighty. Of course, the book I am reading when making this discovery isĀ not on this list. Though it probably should be considering it inspired a movement of which millions of people around the world are members.
Ā 
I am reading ‘Scouting for Boys’. It’s not so āoutdoorsy’ as I expected, and not irrelevant to modernĀ Scouting or Guiding either. I enjoy the emphasis on service for oneās community and country, bravery and kind-heartedness.
Yes, he usesĀ several un-PC terms to describe the many cultures he encountered across the globe, but his admiration for their skills and honour outweigh any negative associationsĀ his language may congerĀ from modern readers.
In addition, while this is clearly aimed at turning boys into men, he does make mention of women and their abilityĀ to better themselves and serve their country inĀ the same way (think Girl Guides). Any tenderfoot, girl or boy,Ā can work to become an independent and valuableĀ citizen. As my plans for camping this January have been drowned in the Queensland floods, I will have to pioneer from the couch this week, and this guide will certainly take me on another adventure or two.
Also worth a note is a current Vanity Fair article on Prince Charles ā Iād rather he be my leader over any of those larrikins in Canberra.