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Elie DucommunSwiss journalist, educator and peace activist. Nobel Peace Prize laureate 1902
Date of Birth: 19.02.1833
Country:  Switzerland |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Political and Business Pursuits
- Champion of Peace
- Literary Contributions
- Notable Works
- "Précis historique du mouvement en faveur de la paix" (1899)
Early Life and Career
Élie Ducommun, born into a watchmaker's family, began his career as a home tutor at the age of 17. This experience honed his fluency in German. Upon his return to Geneva, he taught at a public school for two years.
In 1855, Ducommun embraced journalism, becoming an editor at "Revue de Genève." He maintained a lifelong connection to the field.
Political and Business Pursuits
Ducommun's political career flourished in Bern, where he founded "Der Fortschritt" in 1865. He also edited "L'Helvétie" from 1871 to 1872. In addition, he was a member of both the Geneva and Bern city councils, serving as Vice-Chancellor and Chancellor of Geneva.
Ducommun displayed exceptional business acumen as General Secretary of the Jura-Bern-Luzern Railway for three decades.
Champion of Peace
The Call to Pacifism:Despite his success in journalism, politics, and business, Ducommun's passion lay in the pursuit of peace. He played a pivotal role in the foundation of the International Peace Bureau in 1890, working alongside Albert Gobat.
Leadership of the Peace Movement:From the Bureau's inception until his passing, Ducommun led the global pacifist movement. He declined compensation, stating that he was driven solely by his conscience.
Nobel Recognition:In 1902, Ducommun's unwavering commitment to peace earned him the Nobel Peace Prize.
Literary Contributions
Beyond journalism, Ducommun was a skilled translator and poet. He published a collection of verses titled "Dernier sourire" in 1886, which later inspired the French singer Mylène Farmer's song of the same name.
Notable Works
"Ducommun, Élie, Derniers sourires: Poésies précédées d'une notice biographique" (1908)
"Discours sur l'oeuvre de la paix prononcé à Genève le 23 mai 1893" (1893)
