This man invented an explosive and thereby founded one of the most famous prizes in history: Interesting facts | Knowledge news

On the one hand, Alfred Nobel is criticized by many for the invention of dynamite, which was a milestone in the history of explosives at the time. On the other hand, he bequeathed his fortune to establish the Nobel Prize.

Even as a child, Nobel showed an extraordinary flair for science and learning. (Image credit: Wikimedia Commons)

New Delhi: Alfred Nobel is one of those figures in history whose legacy is full of contradictions. On the one hand, the Swedish inventor, engineer and businessman is criticized by many for the invention of dynamite, which was a new milestone in the history of explosives at the time. On the other hand, he left his fortune to establish the Nobel Prize, one of the most important individual awards in the world. In addition, the man made significant contributions to science, as he held around 355 patents during his lifetime.

Alfred Nobel, the son of an explosives manufacturer

Alfred Nobel was born on October 21, 1833, into the prestigious Nobel family of Stockholm. His father was an inventor and engineer. As a child, Alfred was sickly and very close to his mother. From a young age, he was curious and particularly interested in explosives. His father, on the other hand, failed in several ventures before moving to St. Petersburg in Russia in 1837, where he was successful as a manufacturer of explosive mines and machine tools, laying the foundation for Alfred.

Alfred Nobel: The brilliant inventor

Since childhood, Nobel showed an extraordinary flair for science and learning, especially in chemistry and languages. By the age of 16, he had mastered chemistry and had learned six or seven languages. At 24, he submitted his first specimen. An intelligent businessman, Nobel and his family participated in many business ventures.

Nobel famously owned the Bofors company, which until then had produced iron and steel and which, under his leadership, became a major manufacturer of cannons and other weapons. He invented dynamite, his most famous invention, and patented it in 1867. He was also very interested in literature and wrote plays, novels and poems, almost all of which remained unpublished.

Alfred Nobel and an immortal prize

Nobel died of a cerebral hemorrhage in his villa in San Remo, Italy, in 1896. At the time, his business empire included over 90 factories producing explosives and ammunition. However, the weapons maker’s avid fan surprised everyone after his death when his will was read out. Although he was a generous humanitarian and philanthropist, many were surprised that he left most of his fortune in trust to establish the Nobel Prize, which is now the most prestigious international award. Each year, it is awarded to those who work for the benefit of humanity.