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95th out of 376 books
—
282 voters
Markings
Universally known and admired as a peacemaker, Dag Hammarskjöld concealed a remarkable intense inner life which he recorded over several decades in this journal of poems and spiritual meditations, left to be published after his death. A dramatic account of spiritual struggle, Markings has inspired hundreds of thousands of readers since it was first published in 1964.
Markin...more
Markin...more
Paperback, 256 pages
Published
October 10th 2006
by Vintage
(first published January 1st 1963)
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For the last couple of months, this small book was what I brought with me to the church when I attended the Sunday masses. My daughter volunteered to man the overhead projector on the 8:30am slot and she had to be there before 8am and stayed for another 30 mins afterwards to shutdown and go out without showing herself to the people as she descended the stairs in front of the altar. So, I read this book only during Sundays for two months and it was quite fitting because the book is a compilation...more
I began thinking about Dag Hammarskjöld, for no apparent reason, and ordered this book from the library. Then it came, and I discovered it was translated by WH Auden! Now I had an actual reason to read it -- plus I had learned online, that it was a "spiritual autobiography." It's a strange book, published in English in 1964, and apparently forgotten completely. Though it's just as good as Thich Nhat Hanh. (I'm just guessing -- I went for a walk once with Mr. Hanh, but he didn't say anything. Thi...more
It is impossible to summarise a book which spans the entirety of a person's life, but perhaps it is possible to discern the themes or issues that this person obsessed over, at least at a personal level. Other people's diaries make for strange reading experience: you are unsure whether you are merely seeing your own obsessions dressed in other people's words, or whether you are really reading them aright. Many things -- a lot of the haikus written in the 2 years before his death, for example -- I...more
Feb 16, 2013
Patrick Sprunger
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
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It would be egomania to say that I feel a lot like Dag Hammarskjold. The scale of personal responsibility I have for the people of my county is a mere grain before the burden Hammarskjold bore for the world. Nevertheless, it's a responsibility I try to own with humility and the right attitude - an attitude based on the belief that every person of means (be they physical, emotional, or mental) has an obligation to take the hardest job and carry the greatest load they can - because there might not...more
Markings un excelente testimonio de la búsqueda espiritual de uno de los hombres más grandes y místicos del siglo XX y responsable de otorgarle a la ONU una dignidad que lamentable e irrevocablemente nunca volverá a recuperar.
Dag Hammarskjöld empezó a escribir Markings desde los veinte años y siguió escribiendo hasta su trágica muerte a los 56 años cuando era secretario general de la ONU. Resulta entonces fascinante leer los pensamientos del hombre que se llegó a ganar el desprecio de Estados Un...more
Dag Hammarskjöld empezó a escribir Markings desde los veinte años y siguió escribiendo hasta su trágica muerte a los 56 años cuando era secretario general de la ONU. Resulta entonces fascinante leer los pensamientos del hombre que se llegó a ganar el desprecio de Estados Un...more
Oct 18, 2011
booklady
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
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I love this book! On the surface, it's just a collection of one man’s quotes, poetry, reflections, and truths. And yet what makes the book special is who the author was: Dag Hammarskjöld, praised by many, including our own President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, who called Hammarskjöld “the greatest statesman of our century”. He was UN Secretary-General from 1953 until his death in 1961. He is the only person to have been awarded a posthumous Nobel Peace Prize; there has been persistent...more
What a really contemplative, thought-provoking and revealing read, in small portions, so that you have time to ponder over and digest all that is packed into each poem or short reflection. It is amazing that Dag Hammarskjold had such a richly introspective life, so full of humility and careful self-examination, despite being the UN Secretary-General. His writing to himself/about himself is inspiringly honest, and the sequential nature of his entries shows his growth personally and spiritually, f...more
Feb 17, 2008
Kat
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommended to Kat by:
my grandfather
Shelves:
books-i-was-made-to-read-and-loved
I chose this book as part of my own personal quest to understand the spiritual self. My grandfather recommended it along with Martin Buber and Viktor Frankl as authors worth considering. I have never regretted buying this book with hard-earned money as I continue to open it up and delve into a very personal account of Hammarskjold's struggles for that common ground of spiritual peace. This book was never meant for publication, but a letter was found with it giving permission for its publication...more
I read this because Hammarskjold was rumoured to have 'a thorn in the flesh' and I sought out all manner of books by people afflicted thus when I was very young because I was looking for literary company, the only kind afforded me at the time. It's a sad book by a smart man organizing his mind. It's been said before by a much smarter person than myself on this site that he could have much benefited by having a 'sassy gay friend'.
I've read parts of the book 'Vägmärken' (in Swedish, his native language) and I especially enjoy his spiritual and existential contemplations on life. Since it was found like memoirs or rather, unedited diaries, after his sudden passing away, it's a good book. Yet not as 'worked through' as one would wish of an autobiography for instance. Well worth reading though, he endowed a lot wisdom that man!
this is an in progress reading (like 18months in progress). Its the journal of Dag. A devotional of his spirituality. interesting but as of yet not enlightening
Like a few books here. I started this (as you can see) unimpressed. I heard of the book through Yancy's "The Jesus I never knew" I think. I still don't quite get it why some call it a spiritual classic of the 20th century exactly but its very good. The dude was intelligent and driven.
"Too tired for company
You seek a solitude
You are too...more
Like a few books here. I started this (as you can see) unimpressed. I heard of the book through Yancy's "The Jesus I never knew" I think. I still don't quite get it why some call it a spiritual classic of the 20th century exactly but its very good. The dude was intelligent and driven.
"Too tired for company
You seek a solitude
You are too...more
I felt touched by the heartfelt musings of Dag Hammarskjold as he chronicled the spiritual quest of his life. His writings are personal, often brief entries which he never intended to be read by others. The book's entries are sometimes poetry, sometimes prose, and occasionally enigmatic due to their intended audience being only Hammarskjold himself. I will probably pick this book up again whenever I need a "pick me up" or uplifting quote. Here is one of my favorites: "Like the bee, we distill po...more
A great man and great leader of the UN. He is my definition of a true Christian and yes I know that he has been accused of being a Homosexual but that is not relevant to the judgement of how he lived his life. I wish that men of his ilk would become world leaders again, it has been a long time since his death and we have forgotten him.
Dag Hammerskjold was A Swedish economist, diplomat, and 2nd Secretary General of the United Nations (1951-1963). He was killed in an airplane crash on his way to peace negotiations, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize posthumously. I remembered his name from my childhood, and picked this old book from a pile at my neighbor's giveaway. It is a collection of his "thoughts"--not a diary but quotes he felt reflected his outlook, original poetry, and insights into the nature of life and faith. Thes...more
Maybe this book is eloquent in the original language, but I found the English translation to be redundant and almost unreadable. I was expecting a very wise collection of thoughts, and was quite disappointed that I got very little out of this book.
Dag Hammarskjold was General Secretary of the United Nations. His journal, published after his death, revealed that he was a deeply spiritual man who relied on his relationship with God to empower him for his life of service. An excellent inspirational read!
A highly respected politico here in the U.S., Dag was a brilliant thinker. Do yourself a favor. Pick up this book. Read through it bit by bit. That is how it is meant to be read. I will NEVER give away my copy.
When he was alive, I was too young to appreciate him and his actions.
When I came upon the book I became enthralled with his utter humanity and his ability to express his concerns in mere notes to himself.
When I came upon the book I became enthralled with his utter humanity and his ability to express his concerns in mere notes to himself.
I do not enjoy books of pure philosophy. The exceptions seem to be this work, and Heraclitus. Curiously they are both written as series of observations and aphorisms.
I've had this since 1965, yikes!! The hardcover originally cost $4.95 and my price was on sale for $2.94!! Read it then, again in 1973 and now. Each time I've marked the entries that struck me, some are the same and some have changed. It was translated by Leif Sjoberg and W.H. Auden, now I know who Auden is, hadn't a clue back then! More than just the prices are different. Either Hammarskjold was one incredible actor or his faith and selfless dedication to service are truly remarkable. But also...more
"Your cravings as a human animal do not become a prayer just because it is God whom you ask to attend to them."
I am reading this for a few minutes each morning to help me sst my frame of mind where it belongs.
Read slowly, over years, as the author wrote it... that was wise. I think!
Been reading this one for years. Still trying to figure it out.
The inner thoughts and prayers of this famous diplomat man of peace.
reads like favourite sayings recorded in journal
Dag Hammarskjöld was a truly courageous and remarkable man. I found this hard to rate because it was his personal diary. I give it 5+ stars. A friend from years ago had Hammarskjöld's quote (that stayed with me over the years) on his wall... “It is when we all play safe that we create a world of utmost insecurity”
One of my favorite books!
This is such a great book! It was recommended by a professor of mine who is very poetic and sage. The book contains mostly short passages that the author (Swedish, a former Secretary-General of the United Nations who died in office and posthumous winner of the Nobel Peace Prize) talks a lot about becoming a better person, fighting down your carnal side, service without expectation of reward, humility, and saying yes on your path. It is an inspiring book that I will read again.
Journal? No. Just notations of interesting or important impressions/reactions of sights along the way. Some poetry, some quotations, some reflection, some aspiration, some dejection, some exaltation. A human soul with frailties but a soul that kept striving and encouraged us to do the same. He anticipated and welcomed his sacrifice for peace.
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| Goodreads Librari...: ? Wrong cover for ISBN 0571191193 ? | 2 | 23 | Sep 18, 2011 04:53pm |
Dag Hjalmar Agne Carl Hammarskjöld was a Swedish diplomat and author and was the second Secretary-General of the United Nations. He served from April 1953 until his death in a plane crash in September 1961. He is the only person to have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize posthumously. Hammarskjöld remains the only U.N. Secretary-General to die in office.
U.S. President John F. Kennedy called Hammar...more
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U.S. President John F. Kennedy called Hammar...more
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