Dag Hammarskjold left behind the manuscript of this book to be published after his death. It is a remarkable record of the spiritual life of a man ...
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Oct 18, 2011
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 any
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Jul 17, 2011
Matthew
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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
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Dec 01, 2011
jack
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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 Esta 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 Esta More...
Oct 18, 2011
booklady
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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 persi
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Sep 23, 2010
Hannah
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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
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Feb 17, 2008
Kat
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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
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Mar 31, 2009
wes
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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 c 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 c More...
Oct 26, 2008
Courtney
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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 t
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Feb 08, 2012
Bobbi
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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 an
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May 31, 2009
Stacy
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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.
Aug 08, 2010
I just could not get on with this book - I expected something entirely different, and despite the reviews suggesting its brilliance it did absolutely nothing for me.
I admired Hammaskjold greatly when he was secretary general of the UN and had hoped the book might reflect on that time, but it seems totally at variance with what I knew of the man.
Oh well, my loss probably.
I admired Hammaskjold greatly when he was secretary general of the UN and had hoped the book might reflect on that time, but it seems totally at variance with what I knew of the man.
Oh well, my loss probably.
Mar 01, 2011
Geoff
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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.
Oct 18, 2011
Jean
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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 a
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Feb 18, 2011
Micah
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"Your cravings as a human animal do not become a prayer just because it is God whom you ask to attend to them."
Dec 04, 2010
Jsheehan612
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I am reading this for a few minutes each morning to help me sst my frame of mind where it belongs.
Jul 01, 2010
Malina
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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.
Oct 18, 2011
Peg
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In the forward, W.H. Auden reminds the reader: "If we read Markings without remembering all the time that it was written by a man who was a great 'worldly' success, we shall fail to grasp the meaning of the sadness and 'unworldliness' of many of the entries". I found this book not one to enjoy, per se, but to provide a perspective of a man who is one of humanity's great peacemakers.
08/05/10: Reference DWT p.107.
08/05/10: Reference DWT p.107.
Apr 29, 2007
Julia
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This is an incredible insight into the spiritual life of Dag Hammarskjold, the former secretary general of the United Nations. The man had an integrity and honesty that's inspiring and I re-read it every few years. W.H.Auden said that everyone who reads this book is bound to feel that he has had "the privilege of being in contact with a great, good, and lovable man." Really and truly worth the read.
Oct 18, 2011
Linda
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I found a lot of this to be difficult reading - very philsophical, partial sentences, unclear references. I would give 4 stars to the 2nd half of the book.
Jan 29, 2012
Steven
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I have the hard cover 1st translation from the Swedish publish Vagmarken(1963) by Alfred A. Knopf,Inc and Faber and Faber Ltd. 1964( total pages 221) The book was enjoyable .for what it is in a mans mind set of what he is/ was .
Nov 21, 2011
Douglas
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***** is inadequate for this book.
Few books have given me as much as this one.
Words fail me.
Few books have given me as much as this one.
Words fail me.
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Feb 20, 2012
Feb 18, 2012
