Conor Cruise O’Brien Quotes
- Irish Politician
- Ireland
- 1917 - 2008
Conor Cruise O’Brien was an Irish historian, politician, and writer known for his sharp intellect and controversial views. He was born in 1917 and passed away in 2008. O’Brien served as a diplomat, a member of the Irish Parliament, and a professor at prestigious universities such as Harv…Read More
Conor Cruise O’Brien was an Irish historian, politician, and writer known for his sharp intellect and controversial views. He was born in 1917 and passed away in 2008. O’Brien served as a diplomat, a member of the Irish Parliament, and a professor at prestigious universities such as Harvard and Oxford. He was a vocal critic of Irish nationalism and a strong advocate for human rights. O’Brien’s notable works include “The Siege: The Saga of Zionism and Israel,” “States of Ireland,” and “The Great Melody: A Thematic Biography of Edmund Burke.” He was also a prolific journalist and wrote for publications such as The Observer and The New York Review of Books. O’Brien’s legacy continues to spark debate and discussion on issues such as colonialism, nationalism, and human rights.Read Less
Conor Cruise O’Brien was an Irish historian, politician, and writer known for his sharp intellect and controversial views. He was born in 1917 and passed away in 2008. O’Brien served as a diplomat, a member of the Irish Parliament, and a professor at prestigious universities such as Harvard and Oxford. He was a vocal critic of Irish nationalism and a strong advocate for human rights. O’Brien’s notable works include “The Siege: The Saga of Zionism and Israel,” “States of Ireland,” and “The Great Melody: A Thematic Biography of Edmund Burke.” He was also a prolific journalist and wrote for publications such as The Observer and The New York Review of Books. O’Brien’s legacy continues to spark debate and discussion on issues such as colonialism, nationalism, and human rights.
4 Top Conor Cruise O'Brien Quotes
Conor Cruise O’Brien Career Highlights
- O’Brien began his career as a professor of history at University College Dublin in 1940, where he taught for over a decade.
- In 1956, he was appointed as the first Irish ambassador to the United Nations, where he served for four years.
- O’Brien was elected to the Irish parliament in 1969 and served as a member of the Labour Party until 1977.
- He was appointed as Minister for Posts and Telegraphs in 1973 and later served as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1973 to 1977.
- O’Brien also served as the editor-in-chief of the influential Irish newspaper, The Observer, from 1978 to 1981.
- In 1986, he was appointed as the chairman of the Independent Commission for Justice and Peace in Northern Ireland.
- O’Brien was a prolific writer and published over 20 books, including his most famous work, “The Siege: The Saga of Zionism and Israel,” which was published in 1986.
Key Contributions by Conor Cruise O’Brien
- As a diplomat, O’Brien played a crucial role in Ireland’s admission to the United Nations in 1955.
- He was a vocal advocate for human rights and played a significant role in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
- O’Brien was a strong supporter of the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland and worked towards finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
- He was a fierce critic of the apartheid regime in South Africa and played a crucial role in the international campaign against it.
- O’Brien’s writings on Irish history and politics, particularly his book “States of Ireland,” challenged traditional nationalist narratives and sparked important debates in the country.
What Sets Conor Cruise O’Brien Apart
- O’Brien was known for his sharp intellect, eloquence, and fearlessness in expressing his opinions, even if they were controversial.
- He was a staunch defender of democracy and freedom of speech, often speaking out against censorship and authoritarian regimes.
- O’Brien’s ability to bridge the gap between academia and politics, as well as his international experience, made him a unique and influential figure in Irish society.
Takeaways
- Conor Cruise O’Brien’s career highlights and key contributions demonstrate his significant impact in various fields, including politics, diplomacy, and academia.
- His unwavering commitment to human rights, democracy, and freedom of speech sets him apart as a principled and courageous leader.
- O’Brien’s legacy continues to inspire and influence generations, and his contributions to Irish society and the international community will be remembered for years to come.