Philip Ziegler on Rhodes scholars

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Rhodes scholars and the Olympics do not pair readily in the mind: The best and brightest who spend two years soaking in the academic atmosphere of Oxford University have the reputation of being academic superstars.

But in Philip Ziegler’s new book, ‘Legacy: Cecil Rhodes, the Rhodes Trust and Rhodes Scholarships’ (Yale University Press), the veteran biographer reminds us that ‘the issue which most perplexed Trustees and selectors alike, and indeed remains a matter for debate today, was the issue of brains against brawn.’

For it seems that a crucial criterion laid down by Rhodes for his scholars was “fondness for and success in manly outdoor sports such as cricket, football and the like.” Rhodes’ will also says that he doesn’t want those who are ‘merely bookworms’ for his scholars. In other words, no nerds need apply! Never mind that Rhodes was as unathletic as could be, sick with tuberculosis and heart trouble for most of his life before dying at 48.

What it takes to be a Rhodes Scholar after the jump.

Rhodes’ scholars needed to be all-rounders, as accomplished on the athletic field or court as in the classroom or laboratory, although his own life was devoted to the single-minded accumulation of wealth and economic and political power. And note the word ‘success’ rather than ‘prowess’ in sports. Rhodes was a super-achiever himself, a millionaire at 21, prime minister of the Cape Colony in his 30s, a ruthless competitor in business who vanquished rival after rival. He was looking for a Darwinian survivor of the fittest.

As the American Oxonian put it a few years ago: ‘The stereotypical Rhodes Scholar is male, white, went to the Olympics or plays professional sport, plans to enter poilitics . . . Enough evidence supports this stereotype to make it daunting.’

Ziegler mentions such Rhodes scholars as U.S. Sen. Bill Bradley, who played professional basketball after he returned to the United States; and actor and songwriter Kris Kristofferson, who boxed for Oxford’s team while there. Which leaves me wondering: How many of the Olympic competitors from the many former British colonies and Germany (whose citizens are eligible for the honor) are Rhodes scholars this year?

— Martin Rubin

Martin Rubin is a contributor to the Los Angeles Times Books section.