The world of politics is mourning and concerned about Daniel Ellsberg health during his latter years, after his tragic passing on June 16, 2023. Did he die of cancer?
Daniel Ellsberg was an American political activist and military analyst born in Chicago in 1931. He grew up in Detroit, where he attended Cranbrook School. After receiving a scholarship, he graduated with distinction from Harvard College and studied at the University of Cambridge.
Before returning to Harvard as a Junior Fellow, Ellsberg served as a Marine Corps officer. However, his acts in 1971 pushed him into the national spotlight. He released the top-secret Pentagon Papers to major publications while working for RAND Corporation.
The activist was charged with espionage but was eventually absolved of all charges due to misconduct and improper evidence collecting. He also voiced support for WikiLeaks, Chelsea Manning, and Edward Snowden.
Ellsberg’s brave efforts and achievements earned him the Right Livelihood Award and the Olof Palme Prize for his moral courage and humanism.
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Daniel Ellsberg Health And Illness
Daniel Ellsberg, a prominent figure in America, experienced health challenges in his later years. At 92, Ellsberg received a serious diagnosis of pancreatic cancer on February 17, 2023.
He was given a short notice of life. With little time left, he embraced each day with a newfound perspective. In a Facebook post in March 2023, he expressed the value of living each month as if it were his last.
The post read, “It has been said that it’s good to live each day as though it were your last, but that’s not really practical. Living this *month* as though it is my last, however, is working out well for me, and I can recommend it.”
Despite battling illness, Ellsberg remained active and engaged externally. While he may not have made public appearances in his final days, he continued to speak out urgently about nuclear dangers, particularly the risks associated with the Ukraine war and Taiwan.
Most of his interviews were conducted online, although he publicly shared his views with the media. Remarkably, despite being trapped by the silent killer, Ellsberg remained externally active and self-sufficient until his last day.
Unfortunately, his extensive knowledge and intelligence were taken away by pancreatic cancer, leaving a significant void in society and the world. His passing has been mourned by countless people worldwide who recognize the loss of a true genius.
Daniel Ellsberg Died Of Cancer
The renowned whistleblower, and antiwar campaigner, died on June 16, 2023, at his home in Kensington, California. His family issued an official statement, disclosing that pancreatic cancer was the cause of his death.
Despite the disease’s aggressiveness, Ellsberg handled it with strength and courage. Ellsberg showed no evidence of physical decline during his four-month battle with cancer. Further, he showed no symptoms of balding.
Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on February 17, the 92-year-old faced short notice. In these last few months, he indulged in simple things that brought him immense happiness.
Apart from sharing his views and ideas in interviews, Daniel spent most of his time with his family. Notably, he celebrated his 92nd birthday on April 7 and his wife Patricia’s 85th birthday on April 26.
The whistleblower abandoned his salt-free diet for hot chocolate, croissants, cake, poppyseed bagels, and lox. He also revisited his favorite films, including multiple viewings of “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”
As news spread about Ellsberg’s illness, an outpouring of love, appreciation, and well-wishes poured in. He was visited by many of his well-wishers and friends.
Moreover, he joked with his wife, Patricia saying, “If I had known dying would be like this, I would have done it sooner,” to which she responded lovingly responded, “Then I’m glad you didn’t.”
Daniel Ellsberg leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations despite his death. His dedication to truth and his tireless pursuit of justice have touched the lives of countless individuals worldwide.
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