A German-French diplomat and activist who fought in the French Resistance during WWII and later became a prominent advocate for human rights, inspiring the Occupy Wall Street movement. He's also known for his influential book "Time for Outrage!"
Stéphane Hessel, a French diplomat, writer, and concentration camp survivor, is best known for his instrumental role in shaping the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and his unwavering commitment to fighting economic inequalities and social injustices. His groundbreaking book, Time for Outrage, has inspired a new generation of activists and sparked widespread protests against oppression and inequality.
Born Stefan Friedrich Kaspar Hessel on October 20, 1917, in Berlin, Germany, Hessel emigrated to Paris with his family in 1924. He received his baccalauréat at the age of 15 and went on to study at the prestigious École Normale Supérieure, becoming a naturalized French citizen in 1939.
Refusing to adhere to the Vichy government, Hessel fled to London in 1941 and joined General Charles de Gaulle's Free French intelligence service, Bureau Central de Renseignement et d'Action. As a member of the Resistance, he played a crucial role in the fight against Nazi occupation and was later captured and tortured by the Gestapo.
Hessel's distinguished career as a diplomat and writer has spanned over six decades. He served as a French ambassador to the United Nations and was an observer during the editing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. His literary works include The Poetry of Action, Drawn to Freedom, and Engagez-Vous!, among others.
Hessel's advocacy for human rights, social justice, and economic equality stems from his experiences during World War II and his deep-rooted faith in the power of individual action. He believed that outrage and indignation can be powerful catalysts for change, inspiring individuals to take a stand against oppression and fight for a more just and equitable society.
Hessel's work has had a profound impact on modern society, inspiring social movements and protests around the world. His book, Time for Outrage, has been cited as an inspiration by the Spanish Indignados, the Arab Spring, and the American Occupy Wall Street movement, among others.
Hessel has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to human rights and social justice, including the Grand Prix de la Fondation de France, the Prix de l'Académie de Berlin, and the Prix des Droits de l'Homme de la République Française.
Throughout his life, Hessel has been driven by his conviction and passion for social justice. He was married twice, first to Vitia, the daughter of Boris Mirkin-Getzevich, and later to Christiane Chanet. He passed away on February 26, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, courage, and unwavering dedication to the cause of human rights.
Stéphane Hessel's remarkable life and work serve as a testament to the power of individual action and the importance of standing up against oppression and inequality. His unwavering commitment to human rights and social justice has inspired generations of activists, and his legacy continues to shape the course of modern history.
"To create is to resist, to resist is to create."
"The universal declaration of human rights is not a list of laws, but a reminder of our collective responsibility to promote and protect human dignity."
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