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A review by waveycowpar
Everybody Matters: A Memoir by Mary Robinson
5.0
Amazing and inspiring!
Mary Robinson writes about her life in a most thoughtful manner, her reflections are extensive and well worth reading. The premise of the book is one which drives straight to my heart as a believer in Christ and human worth as we are all made in the image of God and that's that "Everybody Matters". Mary Robinson has dedicated her life in a way that is challenging and inspiring to live this truth and make it a reality.
It's amazing to go on a journey with her in the book from her humble beginnings in Co. Mayo (the same town as my own grandmother is from) through to her thoughts on becoming a nun because of the work her aunt, a nun, did helping people, to the influence of her time in France on her decision to enter law school.
Then, practicing as a lawyer and running for Seanad Éireann and attempts to change laws, making them fairer for everyone. Her time as a European lawyer, taking Ireland to court for its failures in rights, which led to the Presidency.
President Robinson's time was one marked by the idea that everyone matters. This is starkly seen in both the opening of Áras an Uachtarán to the public and in deciding personally what events needed a presidential visit.
This life proving everyone matters took her from Ireland to a global scale as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, followed by Realizing Rights and being a global Elder.
What an amazing life and a brilliant legacy she has built. This book is certainly worth a read for anyone interested in Irish politics/law/modern history, those interested in human rights, those interested in women's issues, those from County Mayo (the Taoiseach should probably read it, he's letting the side down a little), and those interested in recent world history.
Mary Robinson writes about her life in a most thoughtful manner, her reflections are extensive and well worth reading. The premise of the book is one which drives straight to my heart as a believer in Christ and human worth as we are all made in the image of God and that's that "Everybody Matters". Mary Robinson has dedicated her life in a way that is challenging and inspiring to live this truth and make it a reality.
It's amazing to go on a journey with her in the book from her humble beginnings in Co. Mayo (the same town as my own grandmother is from) through to her thoughts on becoming a nun because of the work her aunt, a nun, did helping people, to the influence of her time in France on her decision to enter law school.
Then, practicing as a lawyer and running for Seanad Éireann and attempts to change laws, making them fairer for everyone. Her time as a European lawyer, taking Ireland to court for its failures in rights, which led to the Presidency.
President Robinson's time was one marked by the idea that everyone matters. This is starkly seen in both the opening of Áras an Uachtarán to the public and in deciding personally what events needed a presidential visit.
This life proving everyone matters took her from Ireland to a global scale as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, followed by Realizing Rights and being a global Elder.
What an amazing life and a brilliant legacy she has built. This book is certainly worth a read for anyone interested in Irish politics/law/modern history, those interested in human rights, those interested in women's issues, those from County Mayo (the Taoiseach should probably read it, he's letting the side down a little), and those interested in recent world history.