In search of peace: Why the world’s most coveted prize remains elusive

By Harasankar Adhikari 

What is peace, and where can it be found? Sister Nivedita once remarked on “the nonsense about peace—where there is no peace.” Today, this observation feels more relevant than ever. Across continents and cultures, people yearn for peace, yet it remains tantalizingly out of reach. Our collective pursuit of peace is relentless, yet the world seems to grow more restless with each passing year.

Since 1901, the Nobel Peace Prize has honored 139 laureates for their contributions to global harmony. These awards celebrate the tireless efforts of individuals and organizations striving to make the world a better place. But if so many are working for peace, why does it remain so elusive? Why does the world still tremble on the brink of conflict, inequality, and unrest?

The answer may lie in the paradoxes of progress. As societies develop, they often become more competitive and self-centered. Individuals, families, and even nations are locked in battles for resources, recognition, and power. The poor cry out for food, while the rich lose sleep chasing ever more wealth. Dissatisfaction festers at every level, fueled by comparisons and unfulfilled desires. In this climate, genuine empathy and community are rare commodities.

Albert Einstein once wrote, “A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness.” Yet, our modern world seems determined to prove the opposite. We chase success, power, and possessions—often at the expense of our own happiness and the well-being of others.

World politics, too, is a battleground. Leaders jostle for influence, sometimes ignoring the long-term consequences of their actions. Environmental crises are met with half-hearted measures. Nuclear arsenals are flaunted as symbols of strength, despite the haunting legacy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In this atmosphere, the rhetoric of peace is often just that—rhetoric.

Corruption and discrimination are rampant. Justice and equity have become buzzwords rather than guiding principles. International organizations draft rules for human rights and peace, but these are too often ignored or bent to suit political agendas. In some cases, politics itself becomes the breeding ground for terrorism and unrest.

Is holding protests, meetings, or candlelight vigils enough to build lasting peace? While such actions raise awareness, they rarely address the root causes of conflict. Today’s crises—social, economic, cultural, political, and environmental—are deeply intertwined. They demand more than symbolic gestures; they require honest self-reflection, systemic change, and a renewed commitment to justice and cooperation.

Peace cannot be imposed from above or won through competition. It must be cultivated within individuals and communities, through acts of kindness, understanding, and genuine solidarity. It requires us to look beyond our own interests and recognize our shared humanity.

As we search for peace, let us remember that it is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, equity, and compassion. Only then can we hope to build a world where peace is not just a prize, but a lived reality for all.