In April 1888, a French newspaper mistakenly published Alfred Nobel’s obituary after confusing his death with that of his brother. The premature obituary harshly criticized him, branding him a “merchant of death” whose wealth came from inventing destructive weapons. That moment reportedly shook Nobel and prompted him to reconsider how history might remember him.
Motivated by this false narrative, a few years before his death in December 1896, Nobel rewrote his will. He decided that most of his fortune should fund annual prizes in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and peace. The recipients would be those whose work conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.
Thus, the Nobel Prizes were born. The first awards were given in 1901. Nobel’s desire was clear: he wanted his legacy defined not by death and destruction but by discovery, creativity, and global goodwill.
