Daniel Ellsberg was an American activist and military analyst who was born in Chicago in 1931. He grew up in Detroit and attended Cranbrook School. After receiving a scholarship, he graduated with distinction from Harvard College and also studied at the University of Cambridge.
Ellsberg served as a Marine Corps officer before becoming a Junior Fellow at Harvard. However, his actions in 1971 brought him national attention. While working for RAND Corporation, he leaked the top-secret Pentagon Papers to major publications.
Although Ellsberg faced charges of espionage, he was ultimately cleared of all charges due to misconduct and improper handling of evidence. He also expressed support for figures like WikiLeaks, Chelsea Manning, and Edward Snowden.
For his courageous efforts and achievements, Ellsberg received the Right Livelihood Award and the Olof Palme Prize, recognizing his moral courage and commitment to humanism.
Daniel Ellsberg Health & Illness
Daniel Ellsberg, a well-known person in America, faced health challenges as he grew older. At the age of 92, he received a serious diagnosis of pancreatic cancer on February 17, 2023.
Given the short time he had left, Ellsberg approached each day with a new perspective. In a Facebook post in March 2023, he expressed the importance of cherishing each month as if it were his last.
Despite his battle with cancer, Ellsberg showed no visible signs of weakness. He remained active and engaged, particularly in speaking out about nuclear dangers and the risks associated with the Ukraine war and Taiwan. Although most of his interviews were conducted online, he continued to share his views with the media.
It is remarkable that Ellsberg remained active and independent until his final day, even though he was fighting against the silent killer, pancreatic cancer.
Sadly, his extensive knowledge and intelligence were lost to the illness, leaving a significant void in society and the world. People from all over the world mourn his passing, recognizing 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.”
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FAQs
Who is Daniel Ellsberg?
Daniel Ellsberg is an influential figure in American history. He was born in 1931 and is known for his role as a political activist, military analyst, and whistleblower.
What is Daniel Ellsberg known for?
His actions in 1971 brought him national attention. While working for RAND Corporation, he leaked the top-secret Pentagon Papers to major publications.
