Peace? Yes, Nobel!

There is a rather lovely story behind the Nobel Peace Prize.

Alfred Nobel was a chemist, scientist and engineer – he invented dynamite and made millions selling it.

According to Wikipedia:

“In 1888 Alfred’s brother, Ludvig, died while visiting Cannes and a French newspaper erroneously published Alfred’s obituary.   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 (who never had a wife or children) was disappointed with what he read and concerned with how he would be remembered.”

So, at that very point, to counteract the destructive element, he decided to fund a prize that would encourage top scientists, physicist, economists and writers.  Thus, the Nobel Peace Prize!