We are not permitted to choose the frame of our destiny. But what we put into it is ours.
Meaning
Writing in Markings, Hammarskjöld accepts that circumstances are often fixed while character and effort remain ours to shape. Leaders cannot control every outcome. When handed a limited budget or an awkward team, focus on the quality of work and example you bring.
Source: Markings (1950 entry)
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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