JANE ADDAMS (1860-1935)
Pioneer social worker, feminist, intellectual, internationalist, peace advocate and theorist
“True Peace is not the absence of war but the presence of justice.” Jane Addams
Jane Addams was the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace. The award was given to her in 1931 for her decades long work in peace. How do you get the Nobel Prize for peace? Do you cry and whine until someone gives you theirs? No, you denounce war, dedicate your life to peace and then live as a pacifist as Jane has done.
Born in Illinois, Jane lived during hard times; from the Civil War through WW11 and into the Great Depression. Throughout personal traumas, national crises and world upheavals she remained steadfast in her beliefs even when faced with opposition. I imagine she had Leon Tolsky’s quote taped to her mirror to keep her strong: “Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it.” Even Theodore Roosevelt, who was rumored to have nicknamed her “Bull Mouse,” had a problem with her pacifism. But thank goodness she didn’t shy away from controversy.
Throughout her career, Jane not only advocated for peace but she was a proponent of women’s rights, a champion of the poor, especially immigrants, and lobbied to get better health care and education for the youth of America. Perhaps her greatest legacy was the creation of Hull House in 1889. Using inheritance from her father’s estate, earnings from her writings and public speaking engagements, and some public funding, Jane cobbled together enough money to buy an old mansion and convert it to what became “America’s first settlement house.” The house became a haven for the entire community. Another noteworthy achievement was the establishment of WILPF (Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom). William James had this to say about Jane: “She inhabited reality. She was not only good, but great.” What a compliment; I only wish someone would say that about me. Everyone should strive for greatness. Yet few make it across the finish line as Jane has done.
Unfortunately when I visited Chicago last summer, I didn’t get a chance to visit her monument at the Chicago Women’s Park. Tours are great but the downside is there’s never enough time to see everything. I’m making it a priority next time I’m in Chicago. Please do the same. Created by Louise Bourgeois, the Helping Hand sculpture is a beautiful tribute to this amazing woman’s life long work. The hands symbolize the broad spectrum of people throughout the world whom Jane Addams touched with her unending advocacy.
In addition to all her social work endeavors she was also prolific author. Here are some of her books to check out: Twenty-Years at Hull House; Second Twenty Years at Hull House and Democracy and Social Ethics. Other writers have also penned details of her historic and memorable life; see Jane Addams: A Hero of our Times; The Jane Addams Reader and A Useful Woman- The Early Life of Jane Addams.
So that’s how you get a Noble Peace Prize. You fight the good fight without violent means until you’ve reached your goal. Jane’s tireless and selfless dedication to peace will forever be remembered.
Rock on Jane. Long live your soul. May your spirit shine down on us.