“Tyranny prevails when good men do nothing.”
— Thomas Jefferson
Alfred Nobel’s life unfolded within a period of rapid industrial expansion, where innovation and danger often existed side by side. The Nobel family was deeply involved in engineering, armaments, and oil, industries that shaped both their achievements and their moral reflections. Alfred, more introspective and philosophical than his brothers, understood profoundly the dual nature of invention — its capacity to advance humanity, and its potential to harm it.
This understanding did not come to him as a contradiction, but as an awakening. Witnessing the power of explosives, Alfred began to question the direction in which humanity was heading and the social responsibility that comes with technological progress. That introspective journey influenced the creation of the Nobel Prizes, including the Peace Prize, which he established in his final will of 1895.
In that will, Alfred Nobel defined the Peace Prize as honoring those who had achieved the most or best work for:
• Fraternity between nations
• Abolition or reduction of standing armies
• Holding and promotion of peace congresses
These principles reflect a timeless aspiration toward understanding, diplomacy, and the reduction of conflict — values that remain critical today.
While Ludvig Nobel Media is entirely independent from the Nobel Foundation and the Nobel Peace Prize, the spirit behind Alfred Nobel’s reflections continues to inspire many of us who care about the intersection of innovation, conscience, and humanity’s future. Through dialogue, education, and the exchange of wisdom across generations, we strive to explore how progress can be guided with responsibility and purpose.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee, appointed by the Norwegian Parliament (Storting), is responsible for interpreting Alfred Nobel’s will and selecting the Nobel Peace Prize laureates each year. Since 1901, the Committee has carried the task of honoring individuals and organizations whose work reflects the intentions expressed in Nobel’s 1895 testament.
In his will, Alfred Nobel emphasized three principles for the Peace Prize:
Originally rooted in diplomatic cooperation, this principle reflects efforts that strengthen understanding and foster constructive relationships among peoples and societies.
Interpreted in a contemporary context, this includes work related to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, disarmament initiatives, and efforts to reduce the drivers of military escalation.
What began as formal 19th-century gatherings now includes international mediation, dialogue processes, negotiations, and platforms that encourage peaceful resolution of disputes.
Over time, the Committee’s interpretations have naturally adapted to a changing world, always working within the framework of Nobel’s original testament. Modern peace efforts often encompass areas Alfred Nobel could not have foreseen but which align with the broader aim of reducing conflict and strengthening human dignity. These include:
• Human rights, recognizing that respect for dignity and freedom is foundational to sustainable peace
• Democratic institutions, which create environments where peaceful societies can flourish
• Environmental challenges, acknowledging that a stable planet is inseparable from global stability and peace
While Ludvig Nobel Media is entirely independent from the Norwegian Nobel Committee and the Nobel Foundation, we hold deep respect for the spirit behind Alfred Nobel’s vision and the ongoing work of those dedicated to advancing peace in a complex and changing world.
Copyright © 2025 Ludvig Nobel. All rights reserved.