Nobel Peace Prize

"Tyranny prevails when good men do nothing."

—Thomas Jefferson

What many people don't realize is that during Alfred Nobel's time, the Nobel family was deeply involved in both the armaments and oil industries. Alfred, more artistically inclined than his brothers, was acutely aware of the grim implications of a world dominated by warfare. This awareness led him to establish the

Nobel Peace Prize. Anyone who has witnessed the detonation of TNT knows it shakes you to your core, both physically and spiritually, at what could be described as a molecular, ethereal level. Now, imagine the far greater evil of nuclear explosions. We must exert every effort to prevent nuclear war and its catastrophic consequences.

Alfred Nobel's criteria for the Nobel Peace Prize are outlined in his last will and testament from 1895. The prize is awarded to the person who, during the preceding year, shall have done the most or the best work for:

Fraternity between nations
Abolition or reduction of standing armies
Holding and promotion of peace congresses

Norwegian Nobel Committee

These criteria are somewhat broad and have been interpreted over time by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which is responsible for selecting the Peace Prize laureate. Here's a bit more detail on how these criteria have been interpreted:

Fraternity between nations: This has been seen to encompass work towards international cooperation, diplomacy, and efforts in building bridges between different countries or cultures.
Abolition or reduction of standing armies: Historically, this criterion was more directly linked to disarmament efforts, though it's now seen more broadly as efforts to reduce military tension, prevent conflicts, or promote disarmament in various forms.
Holding and promotion of peace congresses: This initially referred to the organization of meetings where peace was discussed, but it has expanded to include any significant contribution to dialogue and negotiation for peace, including peace treaties, conflict resolution, and advocacy for peaceful solutions to international problems.

Over time, the interpretation of these criteria has evolved to also include:

Human rights work, since the promotion of human rights is seen as foundational to peace.
Efforts towards democracy, as democratic institutions are considered to foster peace.
Environmental work, recognizing that environmental peace is integral to global peace.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has the discretion to interpret these criteria broadly, allowing for the award to be given for a wide range of peace-promoting activities. This flexibility reflects Nobel's intention for the prize to recognize those who have contributed most significantly to the cause of peace in various ways.

Ludvig Nobel

The Great Donor Alfred Nobel

Norwegian Nobel Committee

The Great Donor Alfred Nobel

Norwegian Nobel Committee

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