Published By: Soham Halder

Alfred Nobel's Birth Anniversary: Do You Know Why The Late Inventor Created The Nobel Prize?

Sir Alfred Bernhard Nobel held 355 patents to his name internationally. Yet, he is best remembered for establishing the Nobel Prize.

Think about Alfred Nobel, and I'm sure you would instantly remember him as "the man behind the world's most prestigious award - the Nobel Prize". But hold on, there was much more to him that we usually overlook. During the 19th century, Nobel was widely recognized as an "eccentric genius" who had achieved unprecedented heights in science and technology. He was a scientist, inventor, engineer, businessman, and philanthropist - with 335 patents to his name internationally. And obviously, he invented dynamite - the most powerful explosive at that time - which not only changed the world forever but also helped him build a massive empire.

Here comes an important question: why do we tend to ignore all these and associate him only with the Nobel Prize? Well, it's only because he wanted it that way. Confused? Don't worry, we have got you covered.

It's Sir Alfred Nobel's 191st birth anniversary today. On this occasion, let's learn why the late inventor created the Nobel Prize.

First... About The Nobel Prizes

The Nobel Prizes are the most prestigious honors in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, Peace, and Economics. These are awarded to those who have done the greatest benefit to humankind (with their works in either of the mentioned fields) during the preceding year. Each recipient, known as a laureate, receives a green gold medal plated with 24 karat gold, a diploma, and a monetary award of 11,000,000 kr (approximately US$1,035,000).

 

(Credit: The Nobel Prize)

Sir Alfred Nobel established the Nobel Prize in 1895, the year before he died, donating more than 90% of his wealth. The first was awarded in 1901 by the Nobel Foundation, in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace. The Prize for Economic Sciences, endowed by Sweden's central bank and administered by the Nobel Foundation, was added in 1969.

So, Why Did Alfred Nobel Create The Nobel Prize?

Our story dates back to 1888 when Alfred Nobel's brother, Ludvig, had died while vacationing in Cannes. His brother was not as popular as him, and hence the French press service mistakenly wrote an obituary on him (Alfred).

The headline read, "The Merchant of Death is Dead". And it described Nobel as a man who "became rich by finding a way to kill more people faster than ever before."

It's worth noting that Nobel had always believed that his inventions, dynamite, and gelignite, would benefit humanity, never imagining they would be labeled as "weapons of destruction".

 

(Credit: World of Engineering)

Well, deeply saddened by such a harsh assessment of his work, Nobel realized he would be forever remembered as a 'destructor'. He went into a moral crisis, making him reconsider his legacy. As a result, he conceived the idea of establishing the Nobel Prize. As Albert Einstein, the 1921 Nobel Prize (Physics) winner, said in a statement, "Nobel invented an explosive more powerful than any then known - an exceedingly effective means of destruction. To at one for this accomplishment and to relieve his conscience, he instituted his award for the promotion of peace."

 

(Credit: World of Engineering)

Before his death, Nobel dedicated the majority of his wealth for the creation of the Nobel Prize. He wanted it to be awarded to those who have accomplished “the most or the best work for fraternity among nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the promotion of peace congresses.”

And that's how "The Merchant of Death" later came to be known as the Creator of the Nobel Prize.