Brian Clough (1935-2004)
Apart from the fact that he believed in fairies and amusingly challenged Muhammad Ali to a fight, the thing I admire most about Brian Clough was his class solidarity and socialism. Speaking in a television interview with Brian Moore, he explained his political thinking:
"I think socialism comes from the heart. I think I've been lucky and I've got what I've got. I've made a few bob, I've had a car, I've got a nice house and I don't see any reason why everybody shouldn't have that. People who I've met sometimes with a few bob and who have got on, don't think everybody else should have a few bob and get on. I think the opposite. I think everybody can have it. ... I think everybody should have a book, I think everybody should have a nice classroom to go to, I think everybody should have the same opportunities. And I brought my children up to think the same. I brought my children up not to be greedy. My children are generous children and they're generous not [just] with money or that type of thing ... they're generous giving themselves to people; they're generous with their smiles ..."
This is what Lawrence would describe as a good form of socialism; one which springs from the sincere desire that all people should live well and free from any envy, hatred, or lust for revenge (i.e. what Nietzsche terms the spirit of ressentiment). A socialism of the heart which, if it could be implemented, would make the best form of government.
It's a shame that there are not more people in football, in the arts, and in the wider world of this view; people prepared to speak up for equality, act with benevolence, and rear their children into a shared culture of kindness and comradery.
It's a shame that there are not more people in football, in the arts, and in the wider world of this view; people prepared to speak up for equality, act with benevolence, and rear their children into a shared culture of kindness and comradery.
