Alfred Nobel was born on October 21, 1833, and his transition from arms manufacturer to founder of the Nobel Prize is intriguing. Known as the ‘dynamite king,’ he emerged from a family with ties to weaponry; his father, Immanuel, supplied armaments during the Crimean War, while Alfred himself held over 350 patents, primarily for explosives like dynamite. This success made him wealthy, with nearly 100 factories producing munitions.
Nobel’s Dynamite
A pivotal moment occurred in 1888 when a French newspaper mistakenly published an obituary for Alfred, labeling him ‘The merchant of death,’ which greatly disturbed him. This incident likely influenced his decision to establish the Nobel Prize, reflecting a desire to reshape his legacy as a contributor to humanity rather than a promoter of violence.
Alfred Nobel’s Orbituary ‘The Merchant Of Death Is Dead’
Nobel’s resolution to devote his fortune to charitable causes, especially a peace prize, remains enigmatic. While the ‘merchant of death’ obituary is often cited as a catalyst for this change, historians debate its authenticity and whether it was the sole reason for his transformation. Nobel had been contemplating science prizes since at least 1868, and his interests extended to literature as well, showcasing his multifaceted passions and vision for a legacy grounded in philanthropy.
The Nobel Peace Prize is believed to be significantly influenced by Alfred Nobel’s friendship with Bertha von Suttner, an influential peace activist and author of the anti-war novel ‘Lay Down Your Arms.’ Their relationship began in 1876 when Suttner worked briefly as Nobel’s secretary, and although they parted ways, they maintained a long correspondence in which Suttner urged Nobel to back peace initiatives.
Alfred Nobel’s Imprint On Nobel Peace Prize
Despite his involvement in the armaments industry, Nobel’s views on war were complex; he held pacifist beliefs and envisioned that his inventions could ultimately bring about peace. He famously expressed a desire to “see the end of war,” indicating his inner conflict between the destructive nature of his inventions and his peaceful ideals. Historians, like Fredrik S Heffermehl, note that Suttner’s advocacy significantly impacted Nobel’s support for the peace movement.
Alfred Noble, ‘The Dynamite King’
After Nobel’s death on December 10, 1896, his will, which mandated that prizes be awarded irrespective of nationality, faced controversy, leading to a five-year legal resolution before establishing the Nobel Foundation. The first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901, with Bertha von Suttner receiving the Peace Prize in 1905 for her activism. Since then, over 500 Nobel Prizes have been awarded annually on December 10.
