Dear All,
This string reflects a growing problem on the net. A quotation may be
reproduced to a hundred sites, as can any piece of "information",
within a very short time - and it becomes accepted fact. members will
know of my problem with the misinfornmation about "Jack Kipling" which
has so swiftly become accepted.
Put the phrase "no price is too high", in quotation marks, into your
search engine along with the words Kipling or Nietzsche (as separate
searches), and the two authors receive almost equal credit. A very few
of the sites will give sources, but never for this particular form of
words.
In an email to the Society, forwarded to the List by Jane Keskar in
October 2008, Nigel Sinnot mentioned this quotation. He said, "...the
words that have resonated very powerfully with me for many years were
given by Kipling during a speech in Scotland in October 1923. I keep
them framed on my desk."
Howard's point about the tenor of the 1923 Rectorial Address at St
Andrew's is valid, and chimes with Nigel's note, above. In that
address, however, (as Howard points out) the relevant passage “At any
price that I can pay, let me own myself” is given as I note, in
quotation marks.
Thanks always to Russell Tayler, you can read the speech at
http://ghostwolf.dyndns.org/words/authors/K/KiplingRudyard/prose/BookOfWords/independence.html
Incidentally, I see that this material will be permanently available
at telelib.com. (Please forgive this wanton dissemination of
epublishing, Howard).
I take from this that the quotation could actually be from Nietzsche,
and translated slightly differently in Kipling's speech. Alan seems
very sure of this (could we have the source?).
Bill's note about Arthur Gordon can also be referenced from the
Kipling Journal for June 1967 (162) on our web site, where the
quotation is given in full, but again without source.
Fascinating - and frustrating. I feel that we owe Tina (and the world)
a careful summary of the facts, and the opinions, along with the
proper citations.
Regards,
John
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