Friday 18 August 2017

London Clubland and its uses.


Without reputation a man is nothing- yet how are we to gain a reputation when the world moves to fast to form personal relationships? Are we to resort to hysterical hyping on social media (like everyone else) or should we return to older methods?

What we say about ourselves means little. The company we keep means far more.

In London there exist a plethora of institutions to allow us to promote our better qualities by deeds rather than words.

First we have London Clubland. A club amounts to a personal reference by proxy. This is the Royal and Overseas League, my personal favorite. Many clubs will only accept new members who are personally introduced by an existing member. This means that membership of a club proves that one is respected within a particular field. Clubs may be artistic, business or scientific and membership advertises to the world our values.

We also have the learned societies. These are dedicated to a particular area of research or social improvement. Many do a great deal of good work. In return for financial support the members are entitled to letters after their name which will silently advertise the members achievements..

While writing this article I joined a professional society which has has some of the characteristics of a learned society- the International Professional Security Association. This group has gone some way to turn what used to be a rather Micky Mouse industry into an honest profession. It lacks the royal patronage that learned societies generally have and also lacks the rather posh London clubhouse that the better known learned societies also tend to own. Nevertheless it entitles me to some letters after the name (MIPSA) and a degree of kudos within the industry even if it is little recognized outside.

We also have Freemen of the City. Nothing demonstrates self sacrifice a public spirit more this.

We should spend some time in introspection before doing and of the above. Who are we? What are our values? How do we wish to be perceived?



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