One of the interesting stories in history is that about the Nobel Peace Prize. I know our politicians are envious and some are determined to win this prize. It has been awarded to our current President. But few know the background about Alfred Nobel who started the process. Mr. Nobel was a Swedish chemist and the inventor of dynamite. As such he made a fortune in mining, construction and warfare. I wonder how this invention could have changed the Revolutionary War if it had been discovered sooner!

Alfred had a brother named Ludwig, who died prior to Alfred on April 12, 1888. The French newspaper mistakenly ran an obituary stating that Alfred had died. The headline of this obituary read: “The merchant of death is dead.” It continued: “Dr. Alfred Nobel, who became rich by finding ways to kill more people faster than ever before, died yesterday.”

Of course, this was a mistake. One brother was considered to be the other. Alfred was unsettled as he learned of the misprint. Not only about the death of his brother, but about how he was portrayed. He was humiliated and shamed that he would be remembered as a man who profited from destruction and death.

He wanted to change the historical picture of himself and make sure he was remembered with admiration. To make certain of than he bequeathed his massive, at the time, estate of $4,223,500 to establish Nobel prizes. Awards that would be named for him. The prizes would be bestowed on those who were influential in literature, science, and in promoting peace.

Alfred Nobel had to die in order to be known as one who was in favor of science, literature and especially in promoting peace. The Nobel Peach Prize!