Everybody Matters: My Life Giving Voice

by Mary Robinson

One of the most inspiring women of our age, Mary Robinson has spent her life in pursuit of a fairer world, becoming a powerful and influential voice for human rights around the globe. Displaying a gift for storytelling and remembrance, Robinson reveals, in Everybody Matters, what lies behind the vision, strength, and determination that made her path to prominence as compelling as any of her achievements.

Born in 1944 into a deeply Catholic family-the only girl among five childrenshe was poised to become a nun before finding her own true voice.Ever since, she has challenged convention in pursuit of fairness-whether in the Church, in government and politics, or in her own family.

As an activist lawyer, she won landmark cases advancing the causes of women and marginalized people against the prejudices of the day, and in her twenty years in the Irish Senate she promoted progressive legislation, including the legalizing of contraception. She shocked the political system by winning election as Irelands first woman president in l990, redefining the role and putting Ireland firmly on the international stage. Her role as UN high commissioner for human rights, beginning in 1997, was to prove an even bigger challenge; she won acclaim for bringing attention to victims worldwide but was often frustrated both by the bureaucracy and by the willingness to compromise on principle, which reveal the deep and inherent barriers to changing the status quo. Now back in Ireland and heading her Mary Robinson Foundation-Climate Justice, she has found the independence she needs to work effectively on behalf of the millions of poor around the world most affected by climate change.

Told with the same calm conviction and modest pride that has guided her life, Everybody Matters will inspire anyone who reads it with the belief that each of us can, in our own way, help to change the world for the better.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Ireland, Irish Literature, History, Politics

336 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2012

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Mary Therese Winifred Robinson (née Bourke; Irish: Máire Bean Mhic Róibín) served as the seventh, and first female, President of Ireland from 1990 to 1997, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, from 1997 to 2002.

Reviews

[Annemarie Neary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather like the woman herself, this book is estimable, intelligent, lucid. It charts a life of personal achievement, moral courage and empathy (as you might have gathered, I'm something of a fan). I suspect that her account of her term as President of Ireland might prove a little too discreet for many Irish readers - no dirt is dished (or not much!). It would have been interesting, for example, to have had a little more flavour of the atmosphere behind that famous inauguration photo where she sits surrounded by a dozen men in late middle age, each of whom (bar FitzGerald) seems to have been sucking on the same lemon. That said, the book comes into its own when she recounts her extraordinary experiences as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. From Sierra Leone to Chechnya to Darfur, her account of her experiences, dilemnas, agonies in this role is fascinating. Whilst the book is of obvious interest to Irish readers, mna na hEireann or not, it also has a huge amount to offer to anyone interested in world politics and issues of justice and equality. Highly recommended.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an essential read for anyone who is interested in the social changes that have occurred in Ireland from the 1980's to now. Robinson became aware of human rights very early in her life as a school girl in Mayo. She comes across as a truly compassionate person, and not at all egotistical despite her accomplishments. Her descriptions of the United Nations gave me insight into how contentious things get in this in this institution. However, I don't want to go off on a tangent and take the focus of this remarkable woman and her story.

[Rubyryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its only a few times in my reading life I have felt how humanity can achieve greatness with integrity. Once with An evil Cradling by Brian Keenan and now with this. Fantastic and inspiring. Also a wonderful history of the changing face of Ireland from the 60's onwards. A deeply moving novel of honesty and courage in the tough world of bureaucrats and dictators with many faces. Thank you Mary for sharing your story. Top top book.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a great admirer of Mary Robinson - more so now having read her book. One thing that struck me most is the influence she had on Irish society. It is my impression that had she not dedicated herself to human rights (and equality) and become our first woman president, I may have grown up in a different Ireland. I don't remember an Ireland where I was treated differently for being female. I always felt I had the same chances as any boy/man. In fact I never questioned this and I credit this at least in part to Mary Robinson.
Her book is a great insight into her passion for representing people and fighting the cause. However if you're looking for funny anecdotes and self deprecating humour, you've come to the wrong place.
A good read though.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

My youngest sister got married in the late 1990s in New York City where she lived. She arranged for all the family members to stay at the lovely Irish hotel, the Fitzpatrick Manhattan. The  hotel had a large portrait of Mary Robinson, the first woman President of Ireland behind the reception desk if I remember correctly. I was not really familiar with Robinson but made it a mission to learn about her. After her role as the symbolic leader of Ireland, Robinson went on to be the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. She has continued to fight for human rights and to reveal injustice around the world. 

"Everybody Matters" is her memoir about the path she followed from being the middle child in a family of four boys in a small town in Ireland to a law degree, and a career teaching law, arguing cases and serving in the Irish government. Her role as President in Ireland was considered largely symbolic but it was the one position that was an office that the entire country voted on. Robinson made every effort to use that role as the moral center of Ireland. She understood that symbols define us and can move us forward doing the right thing. Since my name is based on Irish myth and symbol, I found this concept fascinating. 

In her address at her Inauguration as President in 1990, she spoke of the mythical "Fifth Province," which she hoped to represent. As she said, "The Fifth Province is not anywhere here or there, north or south, east or west. It is a place within each one of us — that place that is open to the other, that swinging door which allows us to venture out and others to venture in. Ancient legends divided Ireland into four quarters and a 'middle,' although they differed about the location of this middle or Fifth Province. While Tara was the political centre of Ireland, tradition has it that this Fifth Province acted as a second centre, a necessary balance. If I am a symbol of anything I would like to be a symbol of this reconciling and healing . . ."

Clearly not your ordinary President! To say nothing of the fact that she used "Here's to You, Mrs. Robinson" as her campaign song (with new lyrics). "Everybody Matters" is a fascinating look at the journey of a woman only a few years older than me. Like me, she was educated at Catholic schools until she, too, broke with the church over its roles for and treatment of women, and issues of contraception and divorce. The book also looks at contempororay Irish history and politics and the positive and negative effects of globalism and Robinson's role in all of it.

[Dean Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d owned this book for a while before getting the chance to read it. Even as I glanced at it, waiting on my shelf, I was interested to find out how Ireland’s former president’s personal accounts would line up with what I’d previously heard about her. Based on what I thought I knew, I guessed that her autobiography would convey her experiences in a genuine and authentic way…that she would communicate in such a way that she could be “accessible” to me the reader.

As I read the book, I was delighted to see that she was even more of all these things then I could have imagined. She found a way to talk about the great offices she held, and the extraordinary times of her political career, while never losing sight of the people she was leading.

And in her case, when I talk about leading, I’m talking about “serving others” as a leading aspect of her leadership style. Perhaps this is the only real kind of leadership…and everything else we see too many politicians do is something other than true leadership. Even as I came to understand her desire to dedicate her political career (and her private life) to bettering the lives of so many people, I thought of the quote by Cornel West, “You can’t lead the people if you don’t love the people. You can’t save the people if you don’t serve the people.” After reading Mary Robinson’s autobiography, I was certain I understood what Cornel West was saying in a “real life” applicable way.

When I finished the book I felt both encouraged and challenged. Encouraged to know that such an inspiring leader existed in my lifetime and challenged to carry on the ideals she talked about within the sphere of my life and influence.

[Andrew Ritchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It isn't often I read biographies of people that I know little about but I picked this up as it was recommended by Zoë Roth in her book People Stuff.

I knew little of Mary Robinson other than that she was President of Ireland. The book charts her life and work that lead her to that role and I enjoyed learning about what drove her and inspired her along that path.

I enjoyed the post Presidency elements more. Learning about the challenges in her UN High Commissioner of Human Rights work, dedication to women's rights work and later transition to climate advocacy. The natural connections of each cause to the next was fascinating and well written.

I feel I've learned a lot about an extraordinary woman and gained good insights into the diplomatic challenges of making progress on critical global issues.

[Daniela Ritchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating book. What an amazing and inspiring woman.

[Simon J Alvey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A curiously flat and self satisfied memoir by someone who has always been a political hero of mine. She has had an interesting and admirable life, but has written about it in a way that reads like a laundry list of famous people and how marvellous they are, which got grating quickly. A big disappointment

[Sandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first two thirds of the book were fascinating as Mary speaks of her struggles to challenge the restrictions around women in Ireland (including the legalisation of contraception), her political career and her surprising victory to became the first female Prime Minister.

I found it a bit hard to follow a bit further in she described her role as High Commissioner of the UN and other key roles in supporting Human Rights around the world (written with a lawyer-ly approach to facts and figures!).

However, an informative and enjoyable read about an amazing woman who suffered personal sacrifice and resistance to stand up for what she believed in and who has (and continues to) achieve some remarkable things.

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea! What a wonderful lady. Inspired and uplifted by everything about her.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Working backwards, second memoir/bio of Ireland's presidents. Not as folksy or witty as McAleese, but equally impressive accounting of working through barriers as a leader throughout her life, including conflicts between her conscience and her family as a young woman. One thing that struck me about both Robinson and McAleese's memoirs is that from young-ish ages, both were (and seem to remain) highly questioning of the role and influence of the church in Ireland.

Much of Robinson's accounts are high level to keep to a reasonable length, no doubt, but I'd definitely be interested in more detailed accounts of her travel and work than was possible here.

Special recommendation to those (especially law librarians!) interested in the functioning of the UN and human rights.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed having the views of a powerful woman who has dedicated her life to advancing human rights and who never seemed afraid to speak truth to power, even to the United States. I especially enjoyed the chapters on her work at the UN and as an elder. I was especially keen to hear her speak of the power of bearing witness, as often that is the role available to many of us at the grassroots level. Given that I am looking for inspiration for my personal fledging attempts to be more active in the areas of human rights, I felt a bit more energized (though I will never approach Mary Robinson’s levels of commitment and energy. She is an amazing person.) Many thanks.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Inspiring and engaging. I did not know a lot about Mary Robinson and her important role in Irish history and her work in international human rights and climate justice. Wow. Smart, compassionate, collegial, influential. Not afraid to tell the truth when it ruffles more than feathers. What an inspiring role model! Smart and compassionate people really can change the world. Her book ends about 2012...I wonder what her thoughts are on recent Irish history and some of the darker turns in other parts of the world in the last 10+ years.

[Philippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering I've just finished this book on the eve of an Irish Presidential election it seems apt that such an amazing woman, one of my heroes, talks about o many of the issues that are coming up in the election. Her impact on Irish society is immeasurable and she continues to have a major voice in world affairs through her work with The Elders and many other bodies. A lovely book, beautifully written, which shows what compassion and engagement can bring to humanity, perfectly summed up in the title 'Everybody Matters'.

[Alison Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Mary is a remarkable woman, and her insights into the human condition and her ability and passion for change shine through every word. I found myself pondering afterwards about so much that she wrote. She engaged with people and with organisation at every level, with plain speaking, energy and sensitivity. If at times I found her a bit overwhelming and self- justifying, perhaps it’s because she approached every issue head-on, and didn’t shirk the hard problems. A pleasure to read and issues to ponder….

[Siri Arntzen-Ratnarajan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am astonished of how late I discovered Mary Robinson's inspiring career and how few can name her still. This memoir gives the reader an insight into her life, from being President of Ireland to establishing the movement on climate justice. She has such an important message, and such a compassionate way of conveying it.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Robinson has led an extraordinary life, and her work for Justice in Irish societies (there and throughout the diaspora), and then other countries and continents via her work at the UN, and the foundations, and the pro bono work… a leader whose principles are what guide her; her rootedness to family, her country, and decency are a moral compass that is inspiring. I’m glad I read this book.

[Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely terrific and inspiring book by a woman who l really admire. As well as being incredibly hard working and dedicated to the cause of human rights, she is humble, practical and honest..and sometimes funny. Very very inspiring and fascinating. And an easy read.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing is a bit stilted, which is a pity because she's an amazing woman with a fascinating story to tell. I feel so lucky that when I was a child she was our president, someone so strong and principled to look up to.

[Dathúil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found her so inspiring. I didn’t actually plan to read the whole book but I ended up reading it quite quickly. I wanted to know more about her term as president but I ended up learning more about her time with the UN.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The autobiography of one of my idols. The account of an inspirational life lived with passion and integrity. I particularly appreciated her honesty in describing the most difficult times in her life and how she overcame feelings of hopelessness

[Beatriz Miranda Da Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um livro muito interessante da Mary Robson, UN High Commission for Refuges. Um autobiografia, mostrando que apesar de nascer numa Irlanda super católica, numa família grande de 5 filhos, conseguiu ser Senadora, primeira presidente mulher do seu país.

[Judethmc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew little about Mary Robinson other than as Irish President before reading this book. She tells a story of her life that is dignified and at times restrained, the Ireland she describes at times before she was president feels like it should be 100 years ago. Well worth a read.

[Jessica Ramirez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love autobiographies and this one was very good at times, but sometimes got boring with all the jargon. I appreciated more the writing when she talked about her personal life than her professional life. Overall a good read if you're very interested in human rights.

[Evy Kras · Rating 3 out of 5]

Een biografie van Mary Robinson, eerste vrouwelijke presidente van Ierland. Een voorbeeld voor vele. Interessant hou ze het contact blijft houden met de lokale mensen die te maken hebben met het desbetreffende probleem. Leest zoals vele biografieën lezen.

[BookishBane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited to read this one as I’ve recently begun learning about Mary Robinson and her activism and life. But this memoir was a little too much for me. It felt very brain dump with minimal editing and I just got a bit bored with it in some parts. Love the story, but it could’ve been condensed.

[Katie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be a must read

[Renae Hesselink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary is a wonderful advocate for some many human right efforts. It was great learning about how personal history and family and how she got to be the Mary that we know today.

[Mr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit slow at the beginning and the end but the chapters on her political career as President of Ireland and then her work at the UN made this a worthwhile read.