1905-1961, Swedish Statesman, Secretary-general of U.N.
''To forgive oneself? No, that doesn't work: we have to be forgiven. But we can only believe this is possible if we ourselves can forgive.
Dag Hammarskjold – [Forgiveness]
A task becomes a duty from the moment you suspect it to be an essential part of that integrity which alone entitles a man to assume responsibility.
Dag Hammarskjold – [Integrity]
Every deed and every relationship is surrounded by an atmosphere of silence. Friendship needs no words — it is solitude delivered from the anguish of loneliness.
Dag Hammarskjold – [Friends and Friendship]
Fatigue dulls the pain, but awakes enticing thoughts of death. So! that is the way in which you are tempted to overcome your loneliness — by making the ultimate escape from life. — No! It may be that death is to be your ultimate gift to life: it must not be an act of treachery against it.
Dag Hammarskjold – [Fatigue]
Friendship needs no words…
Dag Hammarskjold – [Friends and Friendship]
I don't know Who — or what — put the question, I don't know when it was put. I don't even remember answering. But at some moment I did answer Yes to Someone –or Something –and from that hour I was certain that existence is meaningful and that, therefore, my life, in self-surrender, had a goal.
Dag Hammarskjold – [Enlightenment]
If even dying is to be made a social function, then, grant me the favor of sneaking out on tiptoe without disturbing the party.
Dag Hammarskjold – [Death and Dying]
In our era, the road to holiness necessarily passes through the world of action.
Dag Hammarskjold – [Action]
In the last analysis it is our conception of death which decides our answers to all the questions life puts to us.
Dag Hammarskjold – [Death and Dying]
It is more noble to give yourself completely to one individual than to labor diligently for the salvation of the masses.
Dag Hammarskjold – [Approval]
It is playing safe that we create a world of utmost insecurity.
Dag Hammarskjold – [Risk]
Life only demands from you the strength that you possess. Only one feat is possible; not to run away.
Dag Hammarskjold – [Courage]
Life yields only to the conqueror. Never accept what can be gained by giving in. You will be living off stolen goods, and your muscles will atrophy.
Dag Hammarskjold – [Conquest]
Maturity: among other things, the unclouded happiness of the child at play, who takes it for granted that he is at one with his play-mates.
Dag Hammarskjold – [Maturity]
Never for the sake of peace and quiet deny your convictions.
Dag Hammarskjold – [Peace]
Never look down to test the ground before taking your next step; only those who keep their eye fixed on the far horizon will find their right road.
Dag Hammarskjold – [Goals]
Never measure the height of a mountain, until you have reached the top. Then you will see how low it was.
Dag Hammarskjold – [Possibilities]
Praise those of your critics for whom nothing is up to standard.
Dag Hammarskjold – [Critics and Criticism]
Pray that your loneliness may spur you into finding something to live for, great enough to die for.
Dag Hammarskjold – [Purpose]
The longest journey is the journey inwards. Of him who has chosen his destiny, Who has started upon his quest for the source of his being.
Dag Hammarskjold – [Purpose]