King Arthur may yet be the best person to guide University of Hong Kong through its difficult times
Mike Rowse believes Arthur Li would rise to the challenge if given a chance to prove himself in the role of HKU council chairman, despite what his detractors say
One of the best books I ever read in school in the days when I could still manage French was Jean Anouilh’s Becket. It tells the story of English king Henry II’s relationship with Thomas Becket.
Basically, they were drinking buddies maintaining a dissolute lifestyle while, in the background, the monarchy was having a major row with the church. When the archbishop of Canterbury dies, Henry spots his chance and appoints Thomas to the position, thinking that his friend will fix things and everything will be well.
I think Arthur Li’s opponents need to pause for a moment and take stock
However, as many of us know from history, Thomas starts to take his new job seriously, defends the church’s interests, and ends up falling out with the king.
In a burst of temper, the king wonders out loud whether anyone can rid him of this turbulent priest, and four loyal soldiers go off and kill Thomas at the altar of the cathedral. The king realises he has killed his best friend which he regrets for the rest of his life. (“ Oh mon Thomas!”)
What caused the change in Thomas’ behaviour, and turned the rake into a devout churchman? It was his philosophy of Bien faire ce que j’ai a faire – to do well that which I have to do. When it was his job to be a friend, he drank and womanised, but when his role changed, so did he.
