Rory Stewart
Rory Stewart: A Life of Politics, Adventure, and Reflection
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Rory James Stewart OBE is the full name of our subject, commonly known as Rory Stewart.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on May 3, 1973, Stewart remains active in politics and public life to this day.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Stewart holds British nationality. He has served as a politician, diplomat, writer, and explorer throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Hong Kong, where his father was a diplomat, Stewart developed an early interest in languages, cultures, and international relations. He attended the Dragon School in Oxford before moving to Eton College for his secondary education. After completing his A-Levels, Stewart joined the British Army as an officer with the Black Watch regiment.
Major Accomplishments
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Stewart's career is marked by a range of notable achievements:
Diplomatic Service: He served in the Foreign Office from 2000 to 2006 and was posted to several countries including Montenegro, Singapore, and the United States.
Writer and Explorer: Stewart has written several books about his travels, including "The Places In Between" (2004), which chronicles his journey on foot through Afghanistan in 2002.
Member of Parliament: He was elected as a Member of Parliament for Penrith and The Border in 2010. During his time in parliament, Stewart served as the Minister of State for Prisons from 2019 to 2020.Notable Works or Actions
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Stewart's writings offer insights into his experiences and perspectives on politics, travel, and human nature:
"The Places In Between": This book tells the story of Stewart's journey through Afghanistan in 2002. It explores themes of identity, culture, and conflict.
"Can Intervention Work?": Co-authored with Gerald Knaus, this book examines the effectiveness of international intervention in fragile states.Impact and Legacy
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Rory Stewart's impact on British politics and public life cannot be overstated:
Independent Voice: As an independent MP, Stewart has been known for his willingness to challenge party lines and speak truth to power.
Expertise on Foreign Affairs: His experience in the diplomatic service and as a member of parliament has made him a respected voice on foreign affairs.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Rory Stewart's quotes and writings are widely read and remembered because:
Authentic Voice: He brings a unique perspective to politics, drawn from his experiences as an explorer, diplomat, and writer.
* Commitment to Public Service: Throughout his career, Stewart has demonstrated a deep commitment to public service, whether in the diplomatic service or in parliament.
As we reflect on Rory Stewart's life and work, it becomes clear that he is a figure of great substance and character. His writings offer insights into the human condition, politics, and international relations.
Quotes by Rory Stewart

Democracy is not simply a question of structures. It is a state of mind. It is an activity. And part of that activity is honesty.

Everyone had memorized a chant of names and villages along footpaths in every direction. This was a very useful map.

Perhaps it is because no one requires more than a charming illusion of action in the developing world. If policy makers know little about Afghanistan, the public knows even less, and few care about policy failure when the effects are felt only in Afghanistan.

I had been walking one afternoon in Scotland and thought: Why don’t I just keep going? There was, I said, a magic in leaving a line of footprints stretching across Asia.

The point about democracy is not that it delivers legitimate, effective, prosperous rule of law. It's not that it guarantees peace with itself or with its neighbors. ... Democracy matters because it reflects an idea of equality.

The world isnt one way or another. Things can be changed very, very rapidly by someone with sufficient confidence, sufficient knowledge and sufficient authority.

Despite the dubious statistics … democracy is a thing of value for which we should be fighting.


