Nobel Banquet speech by Kazuo Ishiguro, Nobel Prize in Literature 2017 | Summary and Q&A

Summary

In this video, Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro reflects on the significance of the Nobel Prize in literature. He shares a personal childhood memory of hearing about Alfred Nobel and the creation of the Nobel Prize, emphasizing the importance of peace and harmony. Ishiguro discusses how the Nobel Prize unifies people and reminds us of our shared humanity. He expresses his happiness and gratitude for being a part of the Nobel Prize's legacy.

Questions & Answers

Q: What childhood memory does Kazuo Ishiguro share about the Nobel Prize?

Kazuo Ishiguro shares a memory of being five years old and hearing his mother tell a story about a man who invented dynamite and created the Nobel Shah to promote peace or harmony. This memory left an impression on him, especially considering it was just 14 years after Nagasaki was devastated by the atomic bomb.

Q: Why does the Nobel Prize continue to have a powerful hold on the world's imagination?

The Nobel Prize, like many great ideas, is a simple one that even a child can understand. It symbolizes significant contributions to our common human endeavor. When someone from our nation wins a Nobel Prize, we feel a different kind of pride compared to witnessing an athlete winning an Olympic medal. It is not a pride of superiority over others, but a unifying pride that comes from knowing one of us has made a meaningful impact.

Q: In what kind of time do we live today, according to Kazuo Ishiguro?

Kazuo Ishiguro suggests that we live in a time of growing tribal enmities and communities fracturing into bitterly opposed groups. This tribalism can be seen in various fields, including literature. However, he believes that the Nobel Prize is an idea that helps us think beyond our dividing walls. It reminds us of what we must strive for together as human beings.

Q: How does Kazuo Ishiguro view the Nobel Prize?

Kazuo Ishiguro expresses his happiness and gratitude for receiving the Nobel Prize. He refers to it as the "Nobel Shore," a term he instinctively used when he first telephoned his mother with the news. He understood the meaning of the Nobel Prize from a young age in Nagasaki, and he now stands before the audience, feeling honored to be a part of its story.

Takeaways

Kazuo Ishiguro's reflection on the Nobel Prize in literature highlights its simplicity and powerful significance. The Nobel Prize symbolizes contributions to our shared human endeavor, promoting peace and unity. In a world fragmented by tribal enmities, the Nobel Prize serves as an idea that helps us transcend our divisions. Ishiguro's happiness and gratitude for receiving this honor further emphasize its importance and impact. The Nobel Prize remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for people around the world, reminding us of our collective aspirations as human beings.