Wisdom in fragments

Coming from the German-speaking part of Belgium, my family history includes both German and Belgian soldiers, highlighting the lose-lose nature of war, which only results in death and misery. Therefore, I believe in investing in multilateralism, seeking common ground rather than emphasizing differences.

Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda

Those who know the locations of the remaining graves remain silent, not wanting to tarnish the 'heroic' image of their generals. This silence and glorification prevent crucial information about mass graves from emerging, demonstrating the profound and tragic impact of this hero worship.

Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda

Today's world reveals a sad truth: impunity for international crimes is more common than prosecutions. Justice and accountability remain the exception rather than the rule.

Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda

As a prosecutor, I recognize that our involvement typically begins when it's already too late: when prevention, humanity, and common sense have failed. Violence, whether in families, communities, or at an international level, signifies a failure of humanity.

Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda

I firmly believe that a society cannot heal from the wounds of war without accountability for serious international crimes. How can a society move towards a shared future while fundamental disagreements about the past and about responsibility for past crimes persist?

Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda

Games are not just a source of entertainment; they can be a tool for self-improvement, a way to understand decision-making and break free from suboptimal patterns. The initial lesson in any game is that natural talent alone isn't enough. Every time I encounter a new game, I think I might be naturally good at it, but that's rarely the case. However, the truth is empowering: with effort, you can become proficient at any game.

Game designer and NYU professor known for game theory and interactive entertainment

Video games are a medium through which we explore the nature and implications of computers. Recalling the early days of computers, large mainframes were used for serious tasks like missile trajectory calculations during the day. At night, enthusiasts would experiment with these machines, conjuring imaginary worlds of cave networks or empires, continuously discovering more engaging problems.

Game designer and NYU professor known for game theory and interactive entertainment

I would describe games as an art form centred around systems. Viewing the world as a system means perceiving it as a collection of interconnected elements. These elements interact in a way that both enables and restricts themselves and each other. Essentially, what is observed is the collective behaviour of these elements as they unfold over time, creating a range of possibilities.

Game designer and NYU professor known for game theory and interactive entertainment

The endurance of games like backgammon or chess lies in their continual presentation of an interesting problem. These strategy and decision-making games are like a well from which we draw insights. As a game designer, I can attest that while creating games, most rule combinations aren't inherently fascinating. Often, a game concept might initially seem uninteresting or static, and despite efforts to invigorate it, it remains lifeless.

Game designer and NYU professor known for game theory and interactive entertainment

I do believe there's something fundamentally essential about free play—the open-ended combination of elements not confined by a narrow context. This concept is vital not only to humanity but to life itself. Consider Johan Huizinga, the sociologist and anthropologist who, in his book 'Homo Ludens,' famously argued that play is a necessary precondition for culture. I find this perspective accurate.

Game designer and NYU professor known for game theory and interactive entertainment

I see games as psychology experiments that we conduct on ourselves. This realization struck me while playing Sudoku. When you first encounter Sudoku, you're acutely aware of the rules you're applying to solve the puzzle. It's a conscious effort, like turning a crank and watching the puzzle get solved. However, as you progress, those initial heuristics, those rules of thumb, become internalized. You stop being aware of them; they become second nature, and you start focusing on more subtle, higher-level heuristics.

Game designer and NYU professor known for game theory and interactive entertainment

As a young athlete, there was a focus on personal achievements – it was all about me, my goals, and my 'little kingdom.' However, with age and more life experience, my perspective broadened. It's about the knowledge and experiences I've gained being actively reinvested into the world before I pass away.

British Paralympic sprinter and long jumper; multiple Paralympic medals

My personal stance is to respond positively to any question, no matter how awkward or inappropriate. I believe it takes courage to ask, and even if the approach is off, the curiosity is commendable. The key is to create an environment where it's okay to be wrong, as long as there's a willingness to learn and engage respectfully.

British Paralympic sprinter and long jumper; multiple Paralympic medals

What's truly astounding is the shared background of many Paralympic athletes. Initially, when the Paralympics and parasports were relatively unknown, these athletes were often the ones overlooked in PE classes, chosen last for teams, and discouraged due to their disabilities. This mindset can lead to incredible achievements, regardless of how unlikely they may seem at first.

British Paralympic sprinter and long jumper; multiple Paralympic medals

My aspiration, both pre- and post-accident, has always been to fully embrace life's offerings. For me, success isn't about the endpoint; it's about the journey – the growth from where I began and the rich stories gathered along the way. I'm passionate about setting ambitious goals, committing fully, and approaching them with courage and audacity.

British Paralympic sprinter and long jumper; multiple Paralympic medals

He describes mental wellness as an unwavering commitment to reality, regardless of the cost. Trauma, in this light, can be a powerful teacher, though its lessons often require revisiting. These moments offer a stark glimpse of reality, a contrast to the daily bombardment of trivial concerns.

British Paralympic sprinter and long jumper; multiple Paralympic medals