The Nobel Prize and the Laureate Are Inseparable

Why this statement at all?

• Many commenters find it absurd that the Nobel Committee had to clarify that the prize and the laureate are inseparable; they view it as something “only a 6‑year‑old” should misunderstand.
• Some speculate it’s written for Wikipedia, lawyers, or as a pointed message to Trump, but others think nothing said will change his behavior.

Mockery and analogies

• Thread is full of satire: people joke about being the “fastest runner” because Usain Bolt gave them his medal, or owning Oscars bought on eBay and claiming to be a winner.
• Comparisons are made to FIFA trophies, Super Bowl rings, and other awards with restricted resale or formal ownership rules, underscoring the difference between a physical object and the honor itself.

Trump’s behavior and his base

• Much discussion frames Trump as thin‑skinned, self‑absorbed, or “toddler‑like,” yet still commanding significant support.
• Some argue his voters aren’t necessarily stupid but driven by tribalism, racism, media illiteracy, or nihilism; others see them as primarily attracted to his racist and nationalist rhetoric.

Politicization and value of the Peace Prize

• Many say the Peace Prize has long been politicized and devalued, citing earlier controversial laureates (especially Kissinger, but also others) and pre‑emptive awards like Obama’s.
• Some extend the criticism to the economics prize and even to the entire idea of high‑stakes prizes.

Machado’s award and backlash

• Several view awarding her the Peace Prize as a “terrible decision,” pointing to her calls for US intervention in Venezuela and strongly pro‑US/Israel positions.
• Others defend her as a typical opposition figure whose later behavior (handing over the medal) couldn’t have been predicted.
• There’s debate over whether she’s a principled democrat, a far‑right figure, or a US‑aligned “puppet.”

Nobel governance and legal angles

• Commenters note the Peace Prize is decided by a Norwegian parliamentary committee, not experts, and see that as a structural flaw.
• Assange’s Swedish complaint against the Nobel Foundation is cited by some as a serious attempt to enforce Nobel’s will and by others as symbolic but legally weak.

Broader stakes

• A recurring undercurrent: Trump’s obsession with symbols like awards is trivial compared to the real risks of his power, foreign policy, and institutional erosion—but also a useful distraction if it keeps him busy.