Contrary to popular opinion, there is nothing noble about the Prize. The spectrum of winners, from individuals who have truly made a positive difference to the world, to war criminals, indicates dynamics other than altruism at play.

In contrast to the series of politically suitable but utterly forgettable literary non-entities over the last decades, the winner Handke has undoubtedly earned the honor, but prudence requires that we also keep an eye on the political context.