State Historical Society of Iowa

Norman Borlaug Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech, 1970

Courtesy of Nobel Foundation, Norman Borlaug Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech, 1970

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Description

Each year the Nobel Foundation awards its globally respected Peace Prize to an individual that plays an outsized role in promoting peace between nations. The 1970 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Norman Borlaug "for having given a well-founded hope - the green revolution." This is his acceptance speech given December 10, 1970.

Source Dependent Questions

  • Use textual evidence from this speech and Clair Patterson's interview to compare both men's feelings about the honors and recognition they'd received for their lifesaving work. Particularly, discuss the obligation they both shared as scientists.
  • According to Borlaug, what was the key to winning the global fight against hunger? How did his discussion of this in paragraphs 5 and 6 affect the tone of this speech, one that most would have expected to be celebratory?
  • Borlaug gave credit to the "army of hunger fighters" who dedicated their lives to the work they shared. Use evidence from this speech, Patterson's interview, and astronaut Peggy Whitson's profile to discuss the necessity of teamwork and cooperation to their work.

Citation Information

"Norman Borlaug Acceptance Speech," December 10, 1970. Courtesy of Nobel Foundation Courtesy of Library of Congress