[Bài viết gốc]:Pete ButtigiegIllustration by João Fazenda
The question “Is Pete Buttigieg A Rhodes Scholar?” often arises when discussing the background and qualifications of this prominent political figure. Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and a rising star in American politics, indeed holds the prestigious title of Rhodes Scholar. This distinction is not merely a footnote in his biography; it’s a significant aspect of his intellectual and personal development, shaping his trajectory in public service.
The Rhodes Scholarship, established in the will of Cecil Rhodes, is one of the world’s most prestigious international scholarship programs. It provides opportunities for outstanding young scholars from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. The scholarship aims to select individuals not only for their academic excellence but also for their character, leadership potential, and commitment to service. Being named a Rhodes Scholar is a testament to exceptional ability and a promise of future contribution to society.
Pete Buttigieg’s journey to becoming a Rhodes Scholar began after graduating from Harvard University. In 2005, he joined a select group of American recipients for an orientation in Washington, D.C., a gathering humorously termed “Sailing Weekend” despite the absence of any actual sailing. At 23, the young Buttigieg, known then as Peter, stood out even among this accomplished cohort. Like Bill Clinton, the only Rhodes Scholar to have reached the U.S. Presidency at that time, Buttigieg was noted for his keen intellect and observant nature, often carrying a notebook to capture his thoughts and observations. It’s worth noting that Cory Booker and Bobby Jindal, also prominent figures in American politics, are fellow Rhodes Scholars, placing Buttigieg in esteemed company.
Recollections from those who knew Buttigieg during his time at Oxford paint a picture of a remarkable individual. Katharine Wilkinson, an author and environmentalist who met him during the Rhodes Scholarship orientation, recounted a debate where Buttigieg’s intellectual prowess left her deeply impressed. “I thought, Holy shit, I’m out of my depth. This guy’s, like, really freaking impressive,” she recalled, highlighting his exceptional analytical and oratory skills.
Marissa Doran, a lawyer who also knew Buttigieg at Oxford, described him as “a good egg.” Beyond his academic pursuits and participation in politics-themed discussions, Buttigieg also displayed a convivial side, enjoying games like Risk and Settlers of Catan. His role in managing the common-room bar at Pembroke College, Oxford, further illustrates his multifaceted personality. Wilkinson fondly remembered his curated “whiskey library,” a testament to his attention to detail and appreciation for diverse experiences. “He curated this great collection of whiskey from around the world,” she said. “When students took trips, he’d get them to bring something back for his ‘whiskey library.’ ”
Anecdotes from his time in Oxford reveal a man of wide-ranging interests and intellectual curiosity. Doran recounted a trip to the Czech Republic where, while others photographed typical tourist attractions, Buttigieg captured “wonderful photos of a stunning reflection in the mirror of a car.” This observation of “small things,” as Doran noted, speaks to his perceptive nature. Despite being conversant in multiple languages, including French, which he used to express condolences after the Notre Dame fire, Czech was not among them. Yet, his preparation for the trip was thorough, as Doran shared, “he’d learned a lot about the city before we went. He took us to every bookstore.”
Jeremy Farris, Buttigieg’s Oxford flatmate, highlighted his deep appreciation for James Joyce and Ulysses. This passion even extended to culinary experiments, with Buttigieg once frying a kidney, inspired by Leopold Bloom’s gastronomic preferences in the novel. Farris humorously recalled the lingering “fine tang of faintly scented urine” in their kitchen, illustrating Buttigieg’s immersive engagement with his literary interests.
Justin Mutter, another Oxford roommate, described their shared sunroom, affectionately nicknamed “the cold room,” as a space for intellectual discussions about “state of the world, state of politics, how we could be agents of change.” While Mutter and another roommate often cooked, Buttigieg was remembered as “a key cleaner-upper,” demonstrating his collaborative and responsible nature within their shared living space.
Farris also shared a memorable anecdote about Buttigieg’s self-directed learning. He recalled a book on their shared toilet, “Teach Yourself Norwegian.” Later, while walking along the Thames, they encountered a young man in a soldier’s coat with a Norwegian flag. To their surprise, Buttigieg struck up a conversation in Norwegian, revealing his self-taught linguistic ability. “Peter stopped him,” Farris said, “and they had a conversation while we politely waited. I realized that Peter had taught himself Norwegian on the toilet.”
On a trip to Malta, Buttigieg shared a Maltese parable with Farris, about a grandmother from Gozo marveling at the vastness of the world upon visiting a distant church on the same island. Farris interpreted this parable as reflective of Buttigieg’s “intellectual openness and vast talent,” suggesting his ability to find wonder in the seemingly small and to appreciate different perspectives.
In preparation for his Oxford exams, Buttigieg undertook a unique form of focused study: he boarded a cargo ship. Wilkinson described this as a “mythic Oxford tale that’s actually true,” highlighting the extraordinary lengths Buttigieg went to for academic preparation. This “North Sea-cargo-ship exam preparation,” as Farris termed it, allowed him to isolate himself and concentrate before the rigorous examinations. His efforts culminated in earning a “first,” the highest academic distinction at Oxford, further solidifying his reputation for exceptional achievement. Following Oxford, he joined McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm.
Andrew Sullivan, in a 1988 Spy magazine article, humorously suggested that a Rhodes Scholar would never become President, as it represented the pinnacle of achievement, a “great future behind him.” However, with Bill Clinton’s presidency and the subsequent political ascendance of other Rhodes Scholars like Cory Booker and Pete Buttigieg himself, this prediction has been repeatedly challenged. Buttigieg’s career trajectory, from a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford to a prominent figure in American politics, exemplifies the dynamism and diverse paths that Rhodes Scholars can forge, effectively dispelling outdated stereotypes. His Rhodes Scholarship is not just a past achievement but a foundational experience that continues to inform his approach to leadership and public service.
