Entries from the Online Book of Remembrance
I, like many others, owe a debt of gratitude to Arthur, and Majorie
Seldon for all their support and encouragement to develop ways of
looking at the world and its problems different from prevailing
orthodoxies. I will always remember the warmth, hospitality and
guidance which, with the passing of time, is ever more appreciated.
Arthur lives on in our endeavors. In 1966, I was fortunate enough to find myself working as a ‘temp’
for Arthur Seldon Ann Daniels (nee Robinson), UK. 12th January 2006 I know the high regard my late Father held for Arthur and I was
always made welcome by him, especially in my childhood visits and
most recently after my mother died and Aurthur and Marjorie enttertained
my Father and I. Dear Marjorie, One of the few people who can truly be called a Great Briton. He
will be sorely missed. I have known Arthur and Marjorie, since I was born, and remember
them from a very early age - we visited them frequently and went
on holidays with them. On a trip to Florence, Arthur took a look
at the grandiose staircase of the pensione, where we were staying,
and felt that this was the perfect setting for an aria from some
Italian opera he was keen on. He burst into song. Arthur was always
great fun to be with, and encouraged me in whatever I was up to.
Above all, he was a kind-hearted and loving person. I first met Arthur in the early 1960s following his invitation
to write Hobart Paper No. 33 "Paying for Parking". He
was an instructive and supportive editor and I learnt more economics
from him than from any other person. We remained friends ever since
despite his scepticism about my subsequent work at the World Bank.
Arthur set me on the way to be a writer - in my first Hobart he
detected 1/3 of the words as superfluous ! It was a privilege to help with the publication of his Collected
Works. The workings of a first-rate mind are seldom so modestly,
affably, and clearly expressed. Arthur Seldon became member of the Mont Pelerin Society in 1959.
The officers and members recognized their debt of gratitude by appointing
him as Fellow in 1996. He was the first member receiving this honour. With abiding respect, Dennis Lees Arthur was a wise and humble man who taught me, and many others,
the power of ideas. Arthur was indeed an accomplished man and I have had no idea of
his humble beginnings. My memories date back to when I first met
Peter and when I used to overnight at their home north of Sevenoaks,
before "Thatched Cottage". Arthur was always very jovial
and always a pleasure to be in his company. At 14 years I found
he was very attentive to us young ones and treated us as adults
with stimulating conversation. Ocassional encounters since then
was always a pleasure. Arthur Seldon had a powerful intellect that led to many original
economic theories and statements about our world. Yet he was also
a totally accessible and loving family man. He had a sharp wit and
was devoted to his loving wife Marjorie and his sons Peter Anthony
and Michael. Dearest Authur, we will always remember him with great affection.
Especially his great wit and sense of humour. We will miss him.
A gentleman in every respect and one we were pleased to know. Len and Joyce Wray, UK. 4th November 2005 Arthur was a splendid editor, both of young authors and of established
writers. He improved the work of many of us. His editing and, in
particular, his own extensive writings made him one of the great
moving forces in the revival of classical liberal ideas in the latter
part of the twentieth century and in the radical changes in economic
policies around the world that ensued. Professor Colin Robinson, UK. 4th November 2005 We lost a great man. His work inspired many, myself being among
them, everywhere in the world. He will always be remembered as one
of heroes of international freedom cause. His work will inspire
future fighters of freedom. We learned so much fro Arthur and we
will keep going in his way with respect to ideas and strategy to
reach to a better and more free world... Atilla Yayla, Turkey. 1st November 2005 It was not my privilege to know this gentleman personally -- but
as I worked for one of the founders and major movers of a Washington
think tank called AEI (The American Enterprise Institute) I was
directly influenced by his thought and work through the others there
who had experienced the benefit of his ideas. Thus the influence
of his life goes on through the lives of others whom he touched
intellectually and through the worth of the ideas he espoused. I
judge he will be missed -- and remembered. Jack Buttram, NC, United States. 27th October 2005 A great man who helped to change the world. Martin Chren, Slovakia. 27th October 2005 Call him Drake's drummer! See Rafe's short piece on Arthur here
Reading the details of the life and achievements of my uncle Arthur
Seldon makes me realise what a truly modest man he was. He clearly
influenced the policies of many governments and was not afraid to
stand fast in his beliefs against those who disagreed with him.
How satisfying that he was able to see his propositions proved right.
A true hero has gone... Ronan Jubineau, France. 25th October 2005 I was priviledged to have his guide and encouragement in the mid
1990s at IEA to start a free market organization in Bangladesh. Many of his perceptive writings grace my library. Clear, concise
and devastatingly articulate, Arthur's thoughts influenced many
of us free market intellectual warriors. And they will continue
to do so. A beautiful mind, a beautiful soul, a gift to the world. Patsy J. Shaffer, United States. 24th October 2005 We need many more like him and we need them in the universities
and sites of learning Robert C Miller, United States. 24th October 2005 He profoundly influenced my feelings regarding monetary policy
as well as being a source of pride to all of us The loss of this great man is the loss of the liberal world. But
his ideas are to survive forever. We are bringing them into China.
Farewell to my dear friend, Arthur. We knew each other for 69
years and shared so many opinions on the great issues of our time.
It was an honour yesterday to, as the Rabbi taking the service
explained, accompany Arthur on his final journey. It is a token
of the esteem in which he is held that so many were there to hear
read the wonderful but truly fitting eulogy.
Deep sympathy to Marjorie and the family George and Bridget Willett, UK. 20th October 2005 A man who changed the history of the UK, but always modest about
his achievements. There are three men who were the unsung "backroom heroes"
of the Thatcherite revolution. They were Arthur Seldon and Ralph
Harris at the Institute of Economic Affairs, and Alfred Sherman
at the Centre for Policy Studies. Arthur was a true individual who never asked anyone to do anything
he would not do himself such as thinking the unthinkable or considering
what was politically impossible. He encouraged us young 'uns to
follow our logic and pointed out, very disarmingly, our errors.
Arthur was clearly among the most effective proponents of classical liberalism in the latter half of the twentieth century. In addition to the legacy of his writings, he will be remembered for his role in putting the IEA on the map as a major force in Britain. Gordon L. Brady, United States. 14th October 2005 I salute one of that stalwart band of heroes who kept alive the cause of classical liberalism during the twentieth century. Mark Brady, United States. 14th October 2005 A truly great man whose ideas and ideals will always be treasured. One of our heroes who will be remembered for his accomplishments as long as true liberalism is recognized. A great man, whose influence was profound, tho'much of it was behind
the scenes. Future historians will be able to assess his key role
in keeping liberal ideas alive, & esp. in transmitting Hayek's
views at a time when he was completely ignored by the establishment.
Sudha Shenoy, Australia. 14th October
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