What is peace? What does “getting the job done” mean when it comes to achieving peace? And one more question – do you need to be a saint to get the Nobel peace prize?
I write mainly about innovation and there is one specific topic where Obama’s prize is a great case. The topic is pattern-breaking.
Tradition has it that the Nobel peace prize is given as recognition for achieving peace where it was thought impossible. Obviously, this means a situation that has demanded a lot of work and struggle. A situation with suffering, pain and loss.
But what if you just happen to stroll in and people align and head in a commen and highly constructive direction. So no struggle, pain or suffering. This has to be the better option by far.
However, recognizing the individual with this kind of impact is difficult because you as the observer have nothing to compare with. All you see is peace. You will not have witnessed a situation with turmoil and then see that situation rectified. Nor will you have seen anyone who – like a saint – has “sacrificed” him or herself to alleviate pain and suffering.
The Nobel prize commity in Oslo must believe that they saw Obama strole in and instantly made this kind of difference to the benefit of all of us.