The Nobel Prizes are presented in the Oslo Rådhus, near the always lively and ever-expanding cultural wharf called Aker Brygge. Beautiful yachts dock here, and a myriad of fine restaurants overlook the tranquil Oslo fjord and marina, a stone’s throw away from the Nobel Peace Centre. This symbol of peace looks similar to the Royal Palace located just a few minutes away at the top of the iconic Karl Johans Gate. The similarity of the Kings’ Castle and the Peace Centre is a fitting architectural homage as there is nothing more royal than trying to build a better and more peaceful world. Inside the Rådhus, the two-storey-high ceiling was adorned with magnificent art while its granite walls inspired a sense of eternity. The slightly chilly theatre was filled with infectious anticipation.

A diverse audience absorbed every inspirational word spoken by the two remarkable men. At that point in the conversation, Tata Mandela, sitting in a chair quite similar to the suede one I’m in now, turned to the Archbishop and said in his uniquely warm yet commanding voice: “Desmond, the Joyful or eudemonic state is where creation begins. It’s the ideal way for us to experience life! The inner balance of joy inspires confidence within us. It allows us to be our true selves with courage and conviction. Naturally, when we are our authentic selves, our unique gifts show up and we bless ourselves and the world with them. A joyful attitude opens our hearts. Because we are happy with ourselves, we are full of love. Our unrestrained passion for life pours out of us and connects with everyone that we meet. We magically and fearlessly explore our mutual potential for greatness. Feeling good inspires us to share and this multiplies the collective good.”

The Archbishop smiled at President Mandela, continuing where he left off as if they were reciting from the same soliloquy. “Nelson, if you’ve read The Book of Joy, which contains conversations between me and the Dalai Lama, you’ll remember that the frequency of joy inspires compassion. It seems that our own happiness is linked to how much love and pure tenderness we show our fellows, particularly when we differ with them. We must carefully govern and prepare our hearts to always act with heavenly compassion as there is so much potential in our cooperation. Therefore, we must be happy beings all the time so that we can work well together to create greatness! There is no point in arguing that our ability to give and receive love increases when we feel happy. We must just embrace that happiness is the Midas Touch of human interaction. Experiencing life through a filter of bliss also fills our hearts with a deep sense of gratitude. This turns every moment and breath into a divine gift. When we are joyful, we are at the door of greatness underpinned by feelings of gratitude and compassion. Our psyche is in the Forever-Presence.

This makes us powerful and capable of transforming the universe as we work together to infuse the best of ourselves into life for our collective benefit.” As he enunciated his last statement, never missing an opportunity to create humour, Archbishop Tutu looked at President Mandela and said, “Nelson, if you make any sense during this conversation, I will grant you amnesty to take a “short walk” to a best seller by publishing this particular conversation. But money talks, my brother,” he finished rubbing his thumb and index finger together as he winked. The President clapped his hands and joined the audience, laughing heartily at the Archbishop’s ever-present wit. Not to be outdone, President Mandela got up from his chair, took a few short paces and planted a kiss on the forehead of Archbishop Tutu, who pretended to recoil. This tiny drama left many members of the audience in tears as they howled, failing dismally to control their fits of laughter as the sounds of their joy echoed from the stone walls.