Review of Markings

Markings is a deeply personal book by Dag Hammarskjold. It is a collections of thoughts and poems of his relationship with God. He is a firm believer in God. The book encompasses several decades spanning from 1925 to 1961, with the last entry written mere weeks before his death.

Dag Hammarskjold was the second Secretary General of the United Nations, serving from 1953 until his death in 1961. He is generally regarded as one of the greatest Secretary General's that have been in charge of the United Nations. He also won the Nobel Peace Prize posthumously in 1961.

Hammarskjold has three main themes in his book. The first is his devotion to God. The second is clearly his duties and responsibilities and how he feels that burden. The third is death. Throughout the book Hammarskjold is constantly contemplating his own death, many times looking forward to it eagerly.

The first theme, Hammarskjold's devotion to God, is the central theme of the book. He faith in the lord's power is unquestioning, which is nicely contrasted to his own. Hammarskjold seems to have an overriding sense of inadequacy, despite the historical record of his intelligence and diplomacy. He wonders if he is being devout enough, and questions whether he believes, because that is what makes him happy or God happy. There are many quotes of scripture throughout the Markings, usually adapted as inspiration for the following poem or as reference to some thought.

Hammarskjold's second theme is that of duty. He sees it his duty to completely devote his life to his job and his God. He even goes so far as to state that he must only have superficial friendships so as not to show favoritism to one party or another. He felt that it was a public servant's duty to sacrifice. He must give wholly of himself to the people he served otherwise he was not doing the job he was elected for. Similarly, he felt the same way about his devotion to God. Hammarskjold gave himself completely to his faith. I could find no record of Hammarskjold ever being married, except of his soul being married to God. “Faith is the marriage of God and the Soul. In that case, certainty of God's omnipotence through the soul: with God all things are possible, because faith can move mountains.” He also seemed to be forever on a vigil against false vanity and humility. “Vanity rears its ridiculous little head and holds up the distorting mirror in front of you. For an instant, the play actor adjusts his smile and his features to the role. For a mere instant – but one too many. It is at such times that you invite defeat and betray him whom you serve.”

His third theme is that of his own death. This subject was explored all through the book, not just in the last few chapters as one would expect. Hammarskjold seems preoccupied with his own mortality, whether it is from depression or some morbid fascination is unclear, but it is clearly evident amid the whole book. He starts many chapters with the phrase “Night is drawing nigh-” showing a feeling of impending doom. Hammarskjold writes about his emptiness and loneliness in almost every chapter, with these emotions becoming a recurring theme in his life. Here is a man whose face and deeds are known the world over in his life time, yet no one seems to understand his personal pain that he puts himself through.

This book is probably not for the casual reader. In fact, Markings is definitely for the advanced reader with a love of history or world politics. This book is highly specialized. If you simply want a look into one man's thoughts on God than you will enjoy this book. If you don't fit into this criteria, you may want to find another selection.