Conor Cruise O'Brien
Conor Cruise O'Brien
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Conor Anthony Clifford Cruddas O'Brien was a renowned Irish politician, writer, historian, and diplomat. He is commonly referred to as Conor Cruise O'Brien.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: November 3, 1917
Died: December 18, 2008
Nationality and Profession(s)
Conor Cruise O'Brien was an Irish citizen and held various professions throughout his life:
Writer
Historian
Politician (Member of Parliament for Galway Borough from 1943 to 1945)
Diplomat (Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland)
Early Life and Background
Conor Cruise O'Brien was born in Ranelagh, Dublin, Ireland. His father, William Patrick Maurice O'Brien, was a journalist and later became a politician. Conor's mother, Muriel Frances (née Cruddas), was a writer.
The young O'Brien demonstrated exceptional intellectual curiosity from an early age. He attended Belvedere College in Dublin before enrolling at Trinity College, where he graduated with honors in 1938.
Major Accomplishments
Some of Conor Cruise O'Brien's notable achievements include:
Serving as the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs in Ireland
Holding various diplomatic positions, including being appointed as the United Nations High Commissioner for Namibia (1966–1977)
Elected as a Member of Parliament for Galway Borough from 1943 to 1945Notable Works or Actions
Conor Cruise O'Brien's notable works and actions include:
The Longest War (1962) - A history book on the Irish Free State, which offers an objective analysis of its early years
To Katanga and Back: A UN Case History (1962) - An account of his experiences as a diplomat in the United Nations during the Congo CrisisImpact and Legacy
Conor Cruise O'Brien's impact is multifaceted:
As a politician, he played an instrumental role in shaping Ireland's foreign policy
His diplomatic work significantly contributed to the decolonization of Namibia
Through his writings, he provided valuable insights into Irish history and politics, as well as international diplomacy
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Conor Cruise O'Brien is widely quoted and remembered due to his:
Prolific writing career: He penned numerous books and articles on topics ranging from history to politics
Diplomatic accomplishments: His work in the United Nations had a lasting impact on global affairs
* Commitment to Irish heritage: As a prominent figure in Irish politics, he remained deeply committed to his country's development and international reputation
Quotes by Conor Cruise O'Brien
The main thing that endears the United Nations to member governments, and so enables it to survive, is its proven capacity to fail, and to be seen to fail.
Today, as a result of the policy of Macmillan’s Government, Great Britain presents in the United Nations the face of Pecksniff and in Katanga the face of Gradgrind.
Human nature doesn’t include all human beings. There are human beings who are indifferent to politics, religion, virtually anything.
In the last century the Arab thinker Jamal al-Afghani wrote: ‘Every Muslim is sick and his only remedy is in the Koran.’ Unfortunately the sickness gets worse the more the remedy is taken.
In the last century the Arab thinker Jamal al-Afghani wrote: 'Every Muslim is sick and his only remedy is in the Koran.' Unfortunately the sickness gets worse the more the remedy is taken.
A good man giving bad advice is more dangerous than a nasty man giving bad advice.
The United Nations cannot do anything, and never could; it is not an animate entity or agent. It is a place, a stage, a forum and a shrine... a place to which powerful people can repair when they are fearful about the course on which their own rhetoric seems to be propelling them.
Irishness is not primarily a question of birth or blood or language; it is the condition of being involved in the Irish situation, and usually of being mauled by it.
You are not an agnostic.....You are just a fat slob who is too lazy to go to Mass.
