A swedish chemist, engineer, innovator, and armaments manufacturer.
Nobel amassed a fortune during his lifetime, with most of his wealth coming from his 355 inventions, of which dynamite is the most famous. Nobel invested in oil exploration business of his brothers and amassed great wealth through the development of new oil regions. During his life Nobel had established some 90 odd armaments factories.
In 1888, Alfred's brother Ludvig died but the newspaper erroneously published Alfred's obituary (incorrect death report). It condemned him for his invention of dynamite and is said to have brought about his decision to leave a better legacy after his death. The obituary stated, Le marchand de la mort est mort ("The merchant of death is dead") and went on to say, "Dr. Alfred Nobel, who became rich by finding ways to kill more people faster than ever before, died yesterday. Alfred was disappointed with what he read and made him apprehensive about how he would be remembered. This inspired him to change his will.
Nobel's last will specified that bulk of his fortune be used to create a series of prizes for those who confer the "greatest benefit on mankind" in physics, chemistry, physiology ormedicine, literature, and peace. Nobel donated 94% of his total assets to finance and establish the five Nobel Prizes.
The Nobel Prize is a set of annual international awards bestowed in a number of categories by Swedish and Norwegian committees in recognition of academic, cultural and/or scientific advances. The prizes in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and Peace were first awarded in 1901 with inclusion of Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences later on.
The Nobel prize was made of the mixture of gold and silver with 24 carat or 4.8 g gold coating. Between 1901 and 2012, the Nobel Prizes and the Prize in Economic Sciences have been consistently awarded to various people and organizations and is widely regarded as the most prestigious award. Each recipient, or laureate, receives a gold medal, a diploma and a sum of money, which is decided by the Nobel Foundation, that is worth US $ 1 million + approx. The Nobel Prizes are presented in Stockholm, Sweden, at the annual Prize Award Ceremony on 10 December, the anniversary of Nobel's death.
Alfred Noble not only bestowed the world with his inventions but he displayed a rare nobility to encourage future generations to become more focused and work in the interest of people and society at large. Truly an inspirational gesture!