Ambition or Achievement?

Obama- a superb orator with the right ideas. But should he have said no?

And perhaps his most recent award offers an insight into the way society values the contribution of the individual. The whole question stems from his recent accolade of the Nobel peace prize, despite having been submitted as a nomination just a matter of days after taking office.

Some would argue that Obama had achieved nothing when he was nominated, and has done little since. Others disagree, and claim that he received the award based on his global ambition. Either way, the award sets a precedent which sends out a powerful message that it is not what we accomplish, but our underlying motives which are important. It is plain from this that effort trumps attainment. But is it fair if we try hard, and yet fail to succeed? More importantly, does it benefit society, if real effort is exerted to no avail? Of course not.

There is an inherent irony in preaching the merits of aspirations, while dismissing achievement altogether. We are claiming on the one hand that bankers should receive performance related pay-packets (i.e. attainment), as well as stating that intention (ambition) should be the overriding factor when awarding one of the most significant prizes around. What does it matter if the bankers ‘meant well,’ and just casually ‘forgot’ to pay closer attention to the irregularities in the financial system. Equally, the physical exertion of a dust-bin cleaner which may require more strain than an office job say, is not worth the salary of a qualified professional, who is trained to produce results. Ultimately, these are the only things we can go by. They are the only tangible and quantifiable achievement available to us, and we should see them for what they are; an indication of success.

The prize says a lot for the way we award plaudits. And perhaps it is just that we recognise those who try hardest. Even so, to award a prize to an individual who has yet to contribute seems unfair on those who strive to make a difference by their actions.