I had the privilege of knowing David Martin Jones, albeit briefly and definitely not closely. My admiration for him began when we first met in President John O’Sullivan’s office at the Danube Institute, where I instantly regarded him as a mentor.
Our interactions could have been more regular, but we were separated by our work demands. Yet, in those moments we did share, David’s profound humanity shone brightly, distinguishing him among the notable figures at the Danube Institute.
Conversations with David could easily transform a casual coffee into an intellectual symposium. Despite his intellectual prowess and linguistic finesse, blending a crisp British accent with Australian informality, he never overpowered; instead, he guided and taught attentively.
Our professional journey together culminated in a triumphant visit to Australia in 2024. David’s articulate debates and speeches, delivered to packed audiences, were highlights of the conferences we attended and widely acclaimed. As the youngest member of the Danube delegation, I was proud to follow his path wherever we went.
David’s efforts significantly elevated Hungarian conservative thought, aligning it with the foremost thinkers of the Anglosphere and spotlighting it on the global stage. His impact on Hungarian conservatism is indelible.
But I cherished David most for his humanity and intellectual vibrancy. His optimistic smile and encouraging thumbs-up after our conversations were always a source of comfort.
Our last encounter was in a Sydney hotel elevator, where his usual smile and thumbs-up promised future meetings. ‘See you later, David,’ I waved while rushing to my room. Unbeknownst to me, that farewell, taken in the spirit of his characteristic optimism, was our final goodbye. All I knew back then was that he had plans to travel to London for ‘important matters’.
Barely forty-eight hours after our farewell, I learned that David might never be able to return, and a week later, President John O’Sullivan informed us at the Danube Institute that our esteemed colleague and renowned political theorist had passed away at Charing Cross Hospital in London.
His passing is a profound loss. May he rest in peace.
