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View all search resultsIssues: `The nobility of Nobel recipients'
Alfred Nobel (1833-1896) is, perhaps, the greatest inventor of all time
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A
lfred Nobel (1833-1896) is, perhaps, the greatest inventor of all time. The range of his inventions is simply mind-boggling, from the deadly dynamite to the prestigious Nobel Prize. It is not the dynamite, though, but the prestigious prize that has carried his name to this date. In 1888, a French newspaper erroneously published an obituary of Nobel, citing him as "the merchant of death". That was a turning point in the life of the man who had turned Bofors, formerly a steel mill, into a major armament manufacturer, still in business to this day.
Nobel has been successful at disassociating himself from his past. Today, we do not remember him for what he was, but for what he stands for. The Nobel Prize conceived and initiated by him through a will prepared before his death has become a standard, a yardstick of individual achievement for all peoples living on the planet. Most of us were, therefore, quite naturally surprised when Le Duc Tho (1911-1990), a Vietnamese revolutionary, general, diplomat and politician, declined the prize in 1973. He was awarded the Nobel for Peace jointly with US foreign secretary Kissinger for "their efforts in negotiating" peace for Vietnam. While Kissinger accepted the prize, Duc Tho did not, stating there was still no peace in his country.
Your comments:
If the prize has been given for the "promise", anyone can do that. You just need money to pay the media for inflating your "message".
Arbania Fitriani
Depok, West Java
Nobility is not measured by a "message of hope" but by an actual contribution to world peace.
Edy
Bali
It will need a lot of hard work to achieve a peaceful society in this world, do not let this be hindered by such a prize. You're so much greater than that. May you not be blinded by such a small prize.
Santo
Jakarta
Obama would be better returning the Nobel Prize, for the sake of peace itself. Men should not be rewarded for their potential, but rather by their achievements. By receiving this, Obama, you limit your greatness. We are convinced that you are greater than such a small symbol.
M.J. Thamrin
Jakarta
None of the Nobel laureates ever got the prize a second time. Suddenly, they became steadier and calmer and lost their rebellious spirit. I adore Obama, but this kind of silly Nobel Prize will disrupt peace efforts! President Obama, please wake up! Look at Le Duc Tho!
Haryadi
Bandung
A true soldier does not care who will bury him after his death on the battlefield, for him, praise is meaningless while gaining success. Can Obama act based on such principles? God bless you, sir.
Nugroho Persada
Yogyakarta
President Obama, you do not need an award. You are bigger than any award. I pray for you and hope you are not misguided by awards
Kandaga
Jakarta
It is a pity indeed. A prize that should be a huge mark of respect, awarded so early, may be an inhibitor for Obama's next step. It's a shame.
Ram Rahim
Jakarta
President Obama would be more humble if he returned the award. I hope President Obama doesn't stop performing at his best after this.
Maya Muchtar
Jakarta
A mark of respect is not only being awarded a Nobel Prize. In Obama's case, there will be a greater mark of respect when he politely and humbly rejects the prize, because any achievements are still in hand.
I love you, Obama, but will I love you more with no Nobel Prize.
Aisanya
Jakarta
