Life only demands from you the strength you possess. Only one feat is possible — not to have run away.
Meaning
In his private journal Markings, Hammarskjöld reflects that you are asked only to meet challenges with what you have, not more. Leadership starts with staying present when things are hard. Facing one avoided conversation today is a small way to practise it.
Source: Markings (1925–1930 entries)
About the author
(1905–1961) was a Swedish diplomat who served as the second Secretary-General of the United Nations. Known for his integrity and commitment to peace, he played a crucial role in international diplomacy during a tense period of the Cold War. Hammarskjöld worked to strengthen the independence and effectiveness of the UN, often mediating conflicts and promoting humanitarian efforts. He was posthumously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1961. His writings, particularly "Markings," reveal a deeply reflective and philosophical mind. Dag Hammarskjöld remains a symbol of ethical leadership and dedication to global peace.
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