Alfred Nobel, Prizes, and Dynamite
Alfred Nobel, a Swedish Chemist and Industrialist, is famous for establishing the Nobel Prizes, which consist of a medal, diploma, and a big pile of money (approximately US$ 1.3 Million). Even being nominated for a Nobel Prize is considered an incredible honor. The first prizes were awarded in 1901.
Alfred Nobel also invented dynamite in 1866, the first stable - and hence usable - explosive stronger than gunpowder. Dynamite's uses were primarily in construction and mining, for example for blasting away rock. Newer explosives are more popular today, but dynamite was widely used for 100+ years.
So, why is Nobel better known for the Nobel Prizes instead of inventing dynamite? Let's see: Giving away lots of money to people who, in Albert's words, "conferred the greatest benefit on mankind," versus inventing a very useful tool?
An open question - the answer may have to do with dynamite's bad image! In my mind, both great things. (yes, I know dynamite *can* be used as a weapon - so can water!)
Alfred Nobel also invented dynamite in 1866, the first stable - and hence usable - explosive stronger than gunpowder. Dynamite's uses were primarily in construction and mining, for example for blasting away rock. Newer explosives are more popular today, but dynamite was widely used for 100+ years.
So, why is Nobel better known for the Nobel Prizes instead of inventing dynamite? Let's see: Giving away lots of money to people who, in Albert's words, "conferred the greatest benefit on mankind," versus inventing a very useful tool?
An open question - the answer may have to do with dynamite's bad image! In my mind, both great things. (yes, I know dynamite *can* be used as a weapon - so can water!)
posted by Ted Demopoulos at 9:35 PM
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