The recent announcement of the resignation honours list by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has led me to reflect on the value and relevance of titles in today's society. The trigger was an innocent, if not slightly absurd, plan to purchase a title of Duke as a joke for my good friend's son on his christening. The potential jest, however, proved to be more profound than I anticipated, opening a Pandora's box of debate on the tradition and perceived value of titles in our society.
In this era, titles appear to be either bestowed through political patronage or purchased outright, with a thin line of differentiation between the two processes. A friend argued that receiving a title is less ego-centric than purchasing one, yet both mechanisms feed into the same ego-driven hunger for distinction and recognition. Is it not all about ego, albeit with different veneers?
Titles, historically, were an integral part of the social and economic system. They came with obligations and were more than mere adornments to a person's name. However, the gravity once attached to these titles seems to have dwindled, leaving them as mere tokens of superficial admiration. The fixation on titles, I argue, reflects society's obsession with ego and superficial means of differentiation.
Honours being bestowed today, as evidenced by the recent honours list, often go to individuals whose contributions stop at the point of their own aggrandizement. This leads me to question the system in place and calls for an overhaul. Honours should be granted by industry leaders who can recognize real contributions. The system should operate on transparent criteria, and the ensuing responsibility that comes with a title should be explicitly understood.
Furthermore, I propose a generational limitation on titles, highlighting their transient nature and the individual's unique contributions. Spousal recognition is also essential, as they often play a significant role behind the limelight.
Despite the problems in the current system, I acknowledge that the tradition of titles is deeply embedded in UK culture. Many still hold these traditions dear, and there's something to be said for preserving them. Yet, preservation doesn't necessitate stagnation. Reforms are needed to ensure that the honours system evolves with society, placing meritocracy over politics.
In regard to the House of Lords, representation should be balanced across various industries, including science, arts, maths, English, history, politics, culture, and drama, among others. A prescribed number of seats for each field would lead to a rich variety of perspectives, benefiting society as a whole.
Johnson's resignation honours list has served as a wake-up call, prompting us to reconsider the value and meaning we ascribe to titles. As we venture into a new era of societal development, it's critical that our honours system evolves in tandem, reflecting the merits and contributions of individuals, rather than their political affiliations or economic prowess. Herein lies the path to a more authentic, equitable and forward-thinking society.