Dag Hammarskjold, Markings Quotes

A collection of quotes by Dag Hammarskjold, Markings.

Dag Hammarskjold was a Swedish diplomat and economist who served as the second Secretary-General of the United Nations. Born on July 29, 1905, in Jönköping, Sweden, Hammarskjold had a privileged upbringing and received an excellent education in law, economics, and languages. He began his career in public service and rapidly climbed the ranks within the Swedish government.

Hammarskjold's global recognition came in 1953 when he was elected as Secretary-General of the United Nations, succeeding Trygve Lie. During his tenure, Hammarskjold worked tirelessly to promote peaceful resolutions to conflicts, particularly in the decolonization process in Africa. He strongly believed in maintaining the impartiality and independence of the United Nations.

Throughout his life, Hammarskjold maintained a profound interest in spirituality and philosophy, often expressed through his writings. His collection of personal journal entries, published posthumously as "Markings," showcased his reflective nature and deepened his reputation as a thinker and poet. Tragically, Hammarskjold's life was cut short when his plane crashed on its way to peace negotiations in the Congo on September 18, 1961.

Dag Hammarskjold remains an influential figure in international diplomacy and is remembered for his commitment to peace, human rights, and the ideals of the United Nations. His untimely death only enhanced his legacy, and he is widely regarded as one of the most respected Secretary-Generals in the history of the United Nations.

The great commitment is so much easier than the ordinary, ev

The great commitment is so much easier than the ordinary, everyday one -- and can all too easily shut our hearts to the latter. A willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice can be associated with, and even produce, a great hardness of heart. You thought you were indifferent to praise for achievements which you would not yourself have counted to your credit, or that, if you should be tempted to feel flattered, you would always remember that the praise far exceeded what the events justified. You thought yourself indifferent -- until you felt your jealousy flare up at his naive attempts to make himself important, and your self-conceit stood exposed. Concerning the hardness of the heart -- and its littleness -- let me read with open eyes the book my days are writing, and learn.

Dag Hammarskjold, Markings