John Bankston wrote this brief biography on Alfred Nobel. Alfred Nobel, widely known for implementing the "Nobel Peace" prize, was born on October 21, 1833 in Stockholm, Sweden. He patented over 350 products in his lifetime and acquired over 10 million dollars by the time of his death (December 12, 1896). Alfred Nobel invented dynamite (named after the Greek word "dynamis" which means power) by harnessing the explosive power gunpowder and nitroglycerin.
In April of 1888, Alfred had an enlightening experience that changed the course of his life. Up until then, he was a man driven to succeed, a ruthless businessman (especially when it came to his patents), and lonely. During the month of April, Alfred's brother died. Ludvig Nobel died of a heart attack; however, the newspaper reported that Alfred Nobel had died. The obituary described Alfred as the "Merchant of Death". It went on to talk about all the products of destruction that he invented, sold, and became wealthy with. Although this was true, Mr. Nobel did not want to be remembered as "The Merchant of Death". In 1895 Mr. Alfred Nobel moved to San Remo and drew up his will. This document was entitled as Testament. In his Testament, he ordered that his estate to be invested in "stable securities" so that "the annual interest on which shall be awarded as prizes to those persons who during the previous year have rendered the greatest services to mankind." At the time of his death, Alfred estate was estimated at 10 million dollars. Recently, the Nobel prize money reached $1,000,000.
When Alfred Nobel passed away on December 12, 1895, his obituary read, "a gift to mankind intended to further its development and promote its welfare, as well as to serve purely idealistic purposes - probably the most magnificent one of its kind that a private person had the desire and the ability to make."
I picked up this book today at the library because I heard or read of the "obituary" story surrounding Alfred Nobel and I wanted to uncover its truth. I never knew who invented dynamite nor did I know of the story behind the Nobel Peace prize. This was a pleasant biography and story of a man who had an opportunity to change how people perceived him. I, too, hope I can learn from Alfred's story and realize that we all have the opportunity and power to change the way others perceive us.
In April of 1888, Alfred had an enlightening experience that changed the course of his life. Up until then, he was a man driven to succeed, a ruthless businessman (especially when it came to his patents), and lonely. During the month of April, Alfred's brother died. Ludvig Nobel died of a heart attack; however, the newspaper reported that Alfred Nobel had died. The obituary described Alfred as the "Merchant of Death". It went on to talk about all the products of destruction that he invented, sold, and became wealthy with. Although this was true, Mr. Nobel did not want to be remembered as "The Merchant of Death". In 1895 Mr. Alfred Nobel moved to San Remo and drew up his will. This document was entitled as Testament. In his Testament, he ordered that his estate to be invested in "stable securities" so that "the annual interest on which shall be awarded as prizes to those persons who during the previous year have rendered the greatest services to mankind." At the time of his death, Alfred estate was estimated at 10 million dollars. Recently, the Nobel prize money reached $1,000,000.
When Alfred Nobel passed away on December 12, 1895, his obituary read, "a gift to mankind intended to further its development and promote its welfare, as well as to serve purely idealistic purposes - probably the most magnificent one of its kind that a private person had the desire and the ability to make."
I picked up this book today at the library because I heard or read of the "obituary" story surrounding Alfred Nobel and I wanted to uncover its truth. I never knew who invented dynamite nor did I know of the story behind the Nobel Peace prize. This was a pleasant biography and story of a man who had an opportunity to change how people perceived him. I, too, hope I can learn from Alfred's story and realize that we all have the opportunity and power to change the way others perceive us.
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