Dag Hammarskjöld is often remembered as the serious, bow-tied diplomat who led the United Nations during the Cold War. But behind the public image was a man full of quirks, depth, and unexpected charm. If you think you know everything about him, think again.
Here are five surprising facts about Dag Hammarskjöld’s life and personality that might just change the way you see him.
1. He Had a Pet Monkey Named Greenback
Yes, really. While touring Africa at the beginning of 1960, Dag formed a bond with a little vervet monkey gifted to him by local officials. Greenback became his companion—part comic relief, part confidante. Dag (known as a neatnik) keeping a monkey in his apartment is a humorous contrast indeed. Dag picked the name Greenback because vervets have a greenish tint to their fur.
2. He Enjoyed the Outdoors
The Swedish mountains were Dag’s sanctuary, where he could strip away the noise of politics and reconnect with something more enduring. He liked to hike, camp, climb mountains, swim, ride his bike, read outdoors, etc. Sometimes he went alone and other times with friends. He was an active part of the Svenska Turistföreningen (Swedish Tourist Association) until his death.
3. He Was Posthumously Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
Dag Hammarskjöld died in a mysterious plane crash in 1961 while on a peace mission to Africa. He was later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize—making him the only posthumous recipient to date. The Nobel Committee recognized him not just for his diplomacy, but for the integrity and courage with which he served.
4. He Kept a Secret Spiritual Journal
Long before journaling was trendy, Dag was quietly filling his notebook with spiritual reflections, meditations, and deeply personal thoughts. After his death, his journal—later published as Markings—revealed a contemplative soul wrestling with purpose, solitude, and the demands of service. It remains one of the most profound spiritual autobiographical texts of the 20th century.
5. He Wasn’t Afraid to Say No to Superpowers
One of the most remarkable things about Dag Hammarskjöld’s personality was his ability to stand up to everyone. Whether it was the Soviet Union, the United States, or his own critics, Dag didn’t bend to pressure. He believed the UN should serve the world, not just its most powerful members—and he paid the price for that courage.
Dag Hammarskjöld wasn’t just a statesman. He was a poet, a philosopher, a lover of nature, and a deeply soulful man navigating one of the world’s most high-stakes jobs. There’s more to him than most history books let on—and if this list intrigued you, you’ll love discovering more in Decoding the Unicorn.
Explore more:
- The Listener’s Edge: What Dag Hammarskjöld Taught Us About Active Listening
- A Candle in the Dark: Why Dag Hammarskjöld Still Inspires in Uncertain Times
- The Compass Within: How Dag Hammarskjöld Stayed True to His Moral Code
Stay tuned for more.
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