In January each year thoughts turn to that of one of Scotland’s most famous figures: Robert Burns.
Burns is still celebrated as a poet and song-writer around the world. He wrote poems such as To A Mouse and Tam O’Shanter and composed songs like Ae Fond Kiss and Auld Lang Syne which is sung every New Year’s Eve.
Reflecting on his life, we reveal seven pieces of advice that we can all continue to live by today.
Education is important
From an early age Burns was made aware of the importance of education. When finances permitted he was taught at school (free, universal schooling was not a thing back then). At other times, in a precursor of what many parents faced in Covid-19 lockdowns, he was taught at home.
His father, when not working on the farm, gave him lessons in English, arithmetic, and history among other subjects. In the Burns household education was regarded as essential as food and drink. Improvement through learning was key and something Burns did throughout his life.
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As a pupil, Burns was told by one of his music teachers that he had a 'remarkably dull' ear for a tune and an ‘untunable’ voice. It is just as well Burns did not take it to heart and give up. He continued singing and his love of music saw him compose songs that continue to delight and entertain all these years afterwards.
Keep informed
Burns was interested in the world around him. And it was an interesting world at that time, although his support of the revolution taking place in France attracted some criticism.
Nearer to home, Scotland was in the middle of the Enlightenment, seeing new ideas in science, philosophy, and the arts. One of the innovations of the time that was to have huge implications was steam-power, which would help drive the Industrial Revolution. One of Burns’ acquaintances was developing a steamship and when he wanted to test it on a local loch, he invited Burns. He then became one of the first to travel on this mode of transport.
Careers can change
Burns is often portrayed as the 'heaven-taught ploughman', walking the fields behind his horse and plough, composing verse, but this only formed part of his CV.
As well as trying his hand at making a living from the arts — something not easy even now — he eventually gave up farming and worked in the public sector, as a tax collector. It provided regular income and took him away from the back-breaking work on the land that had badly affected his health.
Enjoy life
It might come as no surprise but Burns enjoyed life at any opportunity. He was not as big a party animal as portrayed, but Burns was not one to refuse an invitation. Telling stories, conversing, singing songs, reciting verse — Burns was someone who relished the chance to socialise with others.
Keep connected
Burns could be described as a networker. As a young man he formed clubs where he met others of a similar background. He joined the Freemasons, now a global network. He made friends wherever he went and kept in touch with them.
In the late 18th century this meant visiting in person or writing letters and it is through this correspondence we know much about his life and thoughts. Burns used his connections to further his writing and professional career. He also used it to romance a few women too, but that is perhaps out of scope here.
Leave a good reputation
A few years after his death, several of Burns’ friends gathered to remember his memory. They sang his songs, recited some of his poetry, and ate haggis. Though they did not know it, they were having the very first Burns Supper — a fixture of the calendar ever since.
An annual Burns Supper also has a place in the Business School Alumni calendar, although we cannot quite claim the same amount of longevity. However, the aims remain the same. Whether it is in person or virtual, take a few hours to remember the life and works of Robert Burns, and to toast friendship and the links that bind us together.
As we celebrate our 'Burns Night In' this year, we can only hope that a Burns Night Out is the event we can look forward to in 2023.