By Willie Drennan
Immortal Bard: 1759 to 1796 and 2023.
Rabbie
Burns is often referred to as the Immortal Bard or at least the Bard
of Immortal Memory. What would he think of the state of the world
today - in January 2023 - exactly 264 years after his birth?
Rabbie
was a complex, fiercely independent free-thinker. So, obviously
there will be differences of opinion as to what he would think,
believe and say - should he just happen to appear back amongst us in
this present day.
Well,
I've been fascinated by the works of Burns since I was a teenager and
I reckon that gives me some credentials to tell you what I think.
He
would surely be still as opinionated on issues of politics, religion
and the plight of humanity. In fact, right now in January 2023, he
would surely have grave concerns about the plight of humanity – the
plight of the people.
During
his lifetime he questioned everything in life and in particular he
questioned authority. He challenged the hierarchy of Church and
State. He questioned and challenged the hierarchy of just about
everything. This does not mean he was disloyal or disrespectful. It
does not mean he was a rebel or an anarchist. It simply means he
naturally questioned everything.
He
constantly sought the truth. He cherished freedom and the rights of
individuals to question and challenge authority. I firmly believe he
would do exactly that if he was alive right now.
