BRACERS Record Detail for 56746

To access the original letter, email the Russell Archives.

Collection code
RA3
Recent acquisition no.
921
Source if not BR
Stickland, L.H.
Recipient(s)
[ ]
Sender(s)
Tansley, Arthur G.
BR
Wragge Morley, Derek
Date
1945/07/26
Enclosures/References
Ms.
Form of letter
ALS
Pieces
1
Notes and topics

Enclosure is an invitation to join a new Free Thought Club at Cambridge.

Transcription

BR / ARTHUR G. TANSLEY / DEREK WRAGGE MORLEY TO [CAMBRIDGE CAMPUS ], 26 JULY 1945
BRACERS 56746. ALS. McMaster
Proofread by K. Blackwell


28 July, 1945.

It is proposed to form a club1 for the exchange of ideas and the stimulation of free rational thought among people of different callings and different cultural outlooks.

We feel that scientists, philosophers, historians, artists, students of literature and others, of all antecedents and all ages, would greatly benefit by the interchange of ideas and their frank discussion in semi-social gatherings at which definite topics were brought under review.

The club would have no political aim or complexion. Its sole object would be the interchange of thought and willingness to listen to the most diverse opinions provided that they are opinions arrived at by personal thought, and not merely the iteration of the orthodoxy of some group.a

The foundation of a Cambridge group (which would not be confined to members of the University), the members of which whole-heartedly accepted this point of view would be the first step in a movement, which, if the initiation were successful, might extend much more widely.

A preliminary meeting to discuss the project will be held in the Upper Parlour at Peterhouse on Friday, 3 August, at 5.30 p.m. by kind permission of the Governing Body. Your attendance is cordially invited.

Derek Wragge Morley
Russell
A.G. Tansley

  • 1

    It is proposed to form a club Nothing more is known of the club.

Textual Notes

  • a

    provided … some group. inserted in Russell’s hand via an asterisk

Publication
B&R C lead
Permission
Everyone
Transcription Public Access
Yes
Record no.
56746
Record created
Jan 18, 2006
Record last modified
Jun 23, 2025
Created/last modified by
duncana