Olga Tokarczuk: "Such a prize will, in a way, give us a kind of optimism." | Summary and Q&A

Summary

In this video, Adam Smith, a Nobel Prize winner, is interviewed about his reaction to receiving the award. He discusses his surprise and happiness, as well as the significance of the prize for Central Europe and their struggle with democracy. He also expresses his pride in being the first writer awarded by the new Nobel Prize Academy after a crisis.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Adam Smith hear the news of winning the Nobel Prize?

Adam Smith received a phone call from the Noble Academy just 15 minutes before the interview. He was on the road in Germany at the time and was surprised and speechless upon hearing the news.

Q: Why is Adam Smith proud of winning the Nobel Prize alongside Peter Hamster?

Adam Smith explains that he is proud of winning the Nobel Prize alongside Peter Hamster because they both hail from Central Europe. The fact that the Nobel Prize is being awarded to writers from this region is significant and meaningful to him.

Q: What does Adam Smith think makes the writing of Central Europe different from the west of Europe?

Adam Smith acknowledges that this is a lengthy subject, but he briefly touches on the current problems Central Europe is facing with democracy. He believes that Central Europe is in the process of finding its own way to manage these issues. Winning the Nobel Prize gives writers from this region a sense of optimism, as they have something to say to the world and the ability to express themselves deeply.

Q: Why is it special for Adam Smith to be awarded by the new Nobel Prize Academy?

Adam Smith expresses his pride in being the first writer to be awarded by the new Nobel Prize Academy after a crisis. This adds a special meaning to the award for him, as it signifies a new beginning and a fresh perspective on literature.

Q: When and where will Adam Smith receive the Nobel Prize?

Adam Smith will receive the Nobel Prize in Stockholm in December. The interview concludes with the interviewer expressing their pleasure and looking forward to seeing him there.

Takeaways

Adam Smith, a Nobel Prize winner, shares his surprise and happiness upon receiving the award. He emphasizes the significance of the prize for Central Europe and their struggle with democracy, highlighting the opportunity for writers in the region to have a profound impact on the world. Adam Smith also expresses his pride in being the first writer to be awarded by the new Nobel Prize Academy after a crisis, adding extra meaning to the recognition.