On 27 November 1895, Alfred Nobel, the Swedish chemist, engineer, and inventor, signed his final will in Paris, forever changing the world’s recognition of excellence in science, literature, and peace. His testament set aside the majority of his vast fortune to establish the Nobel Prizes, a legacy that continues to honour individuals whose work benefits humanity.
The Man Behind the Legacy
Alfred Nobel was best known for inventing dynamite in 1867, a breakthrough that revolutionised construction and warfare. Despite his success, Nobel grew concerned about the destructive potential of his inventions and their impact on society. This moral unease may have been influenced by an 1888 obituary mistakenly published about him while he was still alive, titled “The Merchant of Death is Dead”. The harsh critique of his contributions prompted Nobel to contemplate his legacy.
The Creation of the Nobel Prizes
In his will, signed at the Swedish-Norwegian Club in Paris, Nobel directed that his fortune be used to fund annual prizes in five categories: physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and peace. The peace prize, he specified, would be awarded to the person or organisation that contributed most to fraternity between nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies, or the promotion of peace congresses. This remarkable gesture was as much a reflection of his idealism as it was a response to his earlier regrets.
A Legacy of Excellence
Nobel’s will faced legal challenges from his family and required several years to implement, but by 1901, the first Nobel Prizes were awarded. Today, these prestigious accolades remain among the highest honours in the world, symbolising the pursuit of knowledge, creativity, and peace. The prizes continue to inspire generations of innovators, writers, and activists to strive for the betterment of humanity.
