OSLO, Norway: The Norwegian edition of Hope Is a Decision by Daisaku Ikeda (1928–2023) has been published by Solum Bokvennen, a Norwegian publisher. This collection contains 23 essays translated from the English edition of the same title. With this latest release, Mr. Ikeda’s works have been translated into 52 languages, bringing the total number of foreign-language editions to 2,500.
The translation into Norwegian was led by
Alexander Harang, a peace scholar and distinguished adjunct professor at Soka
University of America (SUA), as well as professor and senior research fellow at
the Soka Institute for Global Solutions.
In an interview with Seikyo Shimbun, Prof. Harang reflected on
the widespread sense of hopelessness many people feel amid escalating global
conflicts and challenges, such as the climate crisis and the threat of nuclear
weapons. He expressed a profound sense of responsibility and purpose in
contributing to the translation of Mr. Ikeda’s book, stating: “Dr.
Ikeda’s writing has the power to inspire readers. It contains a message of hope
that you can change the world by changing your inner self. Dr. Ikeda’s book,
which conveys from every angle that each person has unlimited potential, is
indispensable for today’s society.”
The book features essays on themes such as “Hope
and Happiness,” “Friendship and Poetry,” “Good and Evil” and “Life and Death,”
drawn from the essay series “Thoughts on The New Human Revolution” and My Recollections. Notable pieces
include “An Enemy Falls from the Sky,” where Mr. Ikeda reflects on his personal
experiences during wartime and his aspirations for peace, as well as “An Aging
Society,” which examines the challenges posed by an aging population.
The Norwegian edition of Hope Is a Decision was completed in November 2024, marking the 60th anniversary of Mr. Ikeda’s first visit to Norway in October 1964.
In today’s world, rife with challenges, Mr.
Ikeda’s writings continue to serve as a compass for friends worldwide, guiding
them toward a future filled with hope.
Daisaku Ikeda’s works continue to inspire wisdom and hope for opening a century of peace
[Adapted
from an article in the January 20, 2025, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun,
Soka Gakkai, Japan]
