Politics and Conscience: Dag Hammarskjöld on the Art of Ethical Leadership

by Roger Lipsey

“It is difficult to hear the low voice of reason or see the clear little light of decency, but, of course, both endure and both remain perfectly safe guides.”—Dag Hammarskjöld

Dag Hammarskjöld served as secretary-general of the United Nations from 1953 until his tragic death in a suspicious plane crash in 1961. During those years he saw the fledgling international organization through numerous crises with skill that made him a star on the international stage. As readers of his now-classic diary, Markings, are aware, Hammarskjöld understood political leadership as an honor calling for resourcefulness, humility, moral clarity, and spiritual reflection.

In this accessible handbook, acclaimed biographer Roger Lipsey details the political and personal code by which Hammarskjöld lived and made critical decisions. What emerges is the portrait of a man who struck a remarkable balance between patience and action, empathy and reserve, policy and people. Structured through short sections on themes such as courage, facing facts, and negotiation, Politics and Conscience offers a vision of ethical leadership as relevant today as it was in Hammarskjöld’s time.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Leadership

152 pages, Hardcover

Published February 25, 2020

Reviews

[***Book Lady *** · Rating 5 out of 5]

A look into the life of a Great man. The title speaks to the content. In 137 pages the author covers his subject well and conveys the fact that this was an enlightened man. One who saw the world in a different way. If you are interested in conflict resolution and an ethical approach to leadership, then this book should speak to you. It is timely material today, as it was when Hammarskjold lived and died.

[A. Blumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gotta say, Hammarskjold's words never failed to leave me with a sense of hope... which was much needed after/during the insanity of the last few years.

Dag here was the Secretary General of the UN from 1953 till 1961 when his plane was shot down in Zambi over political unrest. He is still the youngest person to have had that position at 47 years old.

"Mankind will reach its goal if we pay the price extracted by reality."

"...dialog requires a few things: objectivity, willingness to listen & considerable restraint. These are all human qualities. Not one of them remarkable, but all are called for."

"We are on dangerous ground if we believe any individual, any nation, or any ideology has a monopoly on human dignity, righteousness, and liberty."

"Is it possible to both remember and yet work toward a new creation? More than once in recent history we have done so--we know how, though the bitterness of past atrocities are slow to leach out and certain memories are ineffaceable."

Roger Lipsey: "Either the game of Nationalist goes on to an unforeseeable conclusion, or the higher duty of creative action finds purchase with leaders in whom 'The People' have places their trust and hope."

[Jim Gallen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Politics & Conscience” is a fascinating dive into the deep waters of the late United Nations Secretary General (1953-1961) Dag Hammarskjold’s ethical leadership.

While this work contains biographical facts, it is not a biography but an examination of the principles Hammarskjold followed in dealing with the diverse pressures of international politics. Drawing on speeches, diaries and letters written by his subject, author Roger Lipsey crafted his chapters around topics that illustrate the qualities that made Hammarskjold a success. Chapters focus on what we make of fate, the tug of war between truth and the maintenance of office, the need to face facts, chains of causation, dialogue, negotiations, the healing power of time, perseverance, courage, the maturity of mind, the truth of evil, and humility

This small book provides in insight into a soul molded by Christian scripture and classical tradition supplemented by Asian thinkers and exchanges with artists, such as John Steinbeck, scientists, philosophers and others.

I found much practical teaching on these pages. We learn that “The only reply to distrust is candor” that impatience can be a goad, but not a guide and a reminder that “Time is a great healer.” Hammarskjold’s rules for negotiations provide guides for anyone who strives for agreements with others.

I find “Politics & Conscience” to provide an introduction to an aspect of the history of the 1950s frequently over looked. The author has written a biography “”Hammarskjold: A Life” which I have never read but now want to. It compels the reader to slow down and think about the principles we should follow in our personal and vocational lives. It is small enough to be read quickly, but should be read deliberately, taking time to digest the lessons it offers us.

I did receive a free copy of this book through the Amazon Vine Program.

[Jordan Parmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written in the format of a daily devotional on the thoughts and moral code that guided Dag Hammarskjöld, a Swedish diplomat serving the UN during the 50's. Dag was of notable moral character and inner-maturity which he used as a foundation of bringing strength and unity to the newly formed UN and peace efforts during the Congo Crisis.

This book is less about Hammarskjöld's biography (Lipsey covers in another book) and more about his personal character and approach to life. It is both reflective and inspirational. Lipsey explores Hammarskjöld's published journal finding insight in peace keeping, negotiation, perseverance, maturity, etc.

Two quotes I liked from the book:

Maturity: among other things, a new lack of self-consciousness - the kind you can only attain when you have become entirely indifferent to yourself through an absolute assent to your fate.

He who placed himself in God's hand stands free vis-à-vis men: he is entirely at his ease with them, because he has granted them the right to judge.

and

The thrushes have just arrived but have not yet been broken up by the stream of migratory birds, so I saw them in the hundreds. Going back in the twilight, a flight of starlings swept north over the Hudson: wave after wave like whirling ash in the strong wind. What is timeless, forever repeated - will we sometime put an end to this also, in our immense inability to solve the problems of human coexistence?

[September Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Politics and Conscience: Dag Hammarskjöld on the Art of Ethical Leadership is a thoughtful and deeply relevant exploration of moral leadership in public life. Roger Lipsey distills Hammarskjöld’s principles with clarity and care, presenting ethical leadership not as abstraction, but as disciplined daily practice.

What makes this book especially compelling is its balance of the political and the personal. Through focused thematic reflections on courage, humility, and responsibility, Lipsey reveals a model of leadership grounded in conscience and restraint. In a time of increasing political polarization, this work remains strikingly timely and instructive.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hammarskjöld was brilliant, obviously, and this book does a good and authoritative job of compiling his quotations in an accessible place. At times, I would have liked some more foundational chapters first before diving into specific concepts, which slightly holds this book back. Still a major recommendation for those who are politically desperate and looking for a hopeful outlook based in philosophy and ethics.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be fair I have been a fan of Dag Hammarskjold since a young adult!
He is an impressive person - wish we had politicians like him still.
This book is a good reminder about how servant leaders lead.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is sort of an overview of Dag Hammarskjold's tenure as UN Secretary General and his general introspective philosophy. The book, unfortunately, is not well organized and provides little substantive background to DH's writings and experiences.

[Susanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoughtful and well considered. Worth the time. Such a shame he was lost too soon.

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

[sanjaay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learnt a lot about Dag’s unique model of leadership which is heavily undergirded by philosophy, idealism & even spirituality - though this book got a little prescriptive at times

[Christopher Greeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent short summaries on different areas which manifest how DH viewed leadership, his life, his purpose and humanity.