German defence minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg resigned after admitting copying large parts of his doctoral thesis. But why was he so keen to be a doctor in the first place?
You would think that Karl-Theodor Maria Nikolaus Johann Jacob Philipp Franz Joseph Sylvester Freiherr von und zu Guttenberg had enough titles.
In Germany, the "von" and "zu" denote aristocracy and he has both. And the word "Freiherr" means "Baron".
But if you want real clout in politics, being a doctor is desirable and that was his downfall. The title in front of even such a grand name is desirable, but not if it is the product of the work of others.
Royal fascination
Germans do set great store by the ornaments of status.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes...nt/9410282.stm
Note; Update Record: Thursday, 3 March 2011