To live for a time close to great minds is the best kind of education

To live for a time close to great minds is the best kind of education

John Buchan was a Scottish novelist, historian, and politician who is best known for his adventure novels, particularly the Richard Hannay series. He was a man of great intellect and creativity, and his works continue to be celebrated for their thrilling plots and vivid characters. Buchan himself was a great mind, and he believed that surrounding oneself with other great minds was the best kind of education one could receive.

Buchan understood the value of learning from those who were more knowledgeable and experienced than oneself. He believed that by immersing oneself in the company of great minds, one could gain insights and perspectives that would not be possible through solitary study or reflection. By engaging in conversations with intellectuals, artists, and thinkers, one could expand their horizons and deepen their understanding of the world.

Buchan himself was fortunate to have been exposed to many great minds throughout his life. As a student at the University of Glasgow and later at Brasenose College, Oxford, he had the opportunity to study under some of the leading scholars of his time. He also traveled extensively and met with a wide range of individuals from different backgrounds and disciplines. These experiences undoubtedly shaped his own thinking and influenced his writing.

In his novels, Buchan often portrayed characters who were surrounded by other great minds. Richard Hannay, for example, frequently found himself in the company of spies, diplomats, and other individuals who possessed specialized knowledge and skills. Through his interactions with these characters, Hannay was able to solve mysteries, uncover conspiracies, and navigate dangerous situations. Buchan used these stories to illustrate the power of collaboration and the importance of learning from others.