
Posted on October 19, 2024
One of the most important prizes established in a will by a great scientist and inventor was the Nobel Prize established by Swedish chemist, engineer, and industrialist Alfred Nobel, who is famously known for inventing dynamite. A man of great foresight and vision, Alfred Nobel had deemed it appropriate to make a testamentary provision for a series of prizes to be established in his name before his death in 1896. These would be prizes made up of awards that are dedicated to recognising exceptional contributions to human beings in five categories: Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature and Peace.
The Nobel Prizes were established in 1901, and more than a century later, it remains one of the greatest accolades that can be received in those fields. In 1968, the Swedish Central Bank presented a new prize, Economic Sciences, to add to the roster, in memory of Alfred Nobel. Together, the Nobel Prizes celebrate breakthroughs, innovations, and advancements that have impacted the world.
Origin of the Nobel Prize
The origin of the Nobel Prize is a great story, intimately connected with the legacy of Alfred Nobel. Though Nobel achieved much in science and industry, his personal life was a little controversy-ridden. When, in 1888, Nobel’s brother Ludvig died, there was a writ of obituary published by a French newspaper declaring Alfred dead. The title was “The Merchant of Death is Dead,” and further criticized him for the invention of dynamite, which had caused much havoc in the world. Horrified at this description, Nobel wanted to alter the writing of his own history. He resolved to apply this fortune to create a series of prizes that would celebrate humanity’s achievements and work toward the betterment of mankind.
In his will, Nobel left the vast majority of his fortune for the funding of these prizes. In recognition of excellence in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine and Literature, this choice reflects his vastly varied intellectual interests; the Peace Prize demonstrates his deep desire for world harmony. The Economic Sciences prize, although not one of those originally contemplated by Nobel, was instituted later, in his name.
The Selection Process
The Nobel Prizes are awarded by several different organizations. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences manages the prize in Physics, Chemistry, and the Economic Sciences. On the other hand, the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute is responsible for selecting the winner of the Medicine prize, and the Literature prize is chosen by the Swedish Academy. The Nobel Peace Prize is peculiar as it is awarded by a committee chosen by the Norwegian Parliament. In fact, this manifests the desire of Nobel himself regarding the prize, where he wanted it to be a universal sign of peace.
The process begins with nominations by experts from various fields. Nobel committees then make a review of the nominated individuals and then narrow down to the most deserving candidates based on their merit and contributions. Such an elaborate process ensures that not only do laureates take the lead in their respective fields, but they have also made discoveries or contributions that stand to benefit human beings at large.
Categories of the Nobel Prize
All six Nobel Prize categories have different achievement types, but they all share one common thread: innovation and impact.
Nobel Prize in Physics: This prize is assigned to the most outstanding contributions made by individuals in physics, which are basically the key contributions in understanding our universe. Some of the most famous Nobel Prize winners in this category are Albert Einstein, who was rewarded for his contribution to the work around the photoelectric effect, and more recently, quantum mechanics and new states of matter.
Chemistry Nobel Prize: The Chemistry Nobel Prizes have often been awarded to work that has revolutionized both science and industry. Two outstanding examples of Chemistry Nobel laureates in science are Marie Curie, who is placed on the famous list for work in radioactivity, and more recently, molecular chemistry, breakthroughs like CRISPR gene-editing technology.
Nobel Prize in Medicine: This is the greatest prize for humanity, affecting human health at the global level. The prize is awarded to discoveries that have saved thousands of lives, such as pioneers in the field of immunology, genetics, and virology. In 2020, the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded with the discovery of the hepatitis C virus, thereby saving thousands of life affected by it, thus aiding the fight against infectious diseases.
Nobel Prize in Literature: Literature perhaps is the most subjective category; it, however, honors those authors who have dramatically influenced the world of writing. It has been awarded to novelists, poets, playwrights, as well as philosophers. Some of the most celebrated literary figures that received the Nobel Prize are Ernest Hemingway, Gabriel García Márquez, and Toni Morrison.
Nobel Peace Prize: This prize is unique in that it focuses on promoting peace, conflict resolution, and keeping track of human rights. The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to both individuals and bodies, among them the International Committee of the Red Cross, Nelson Mandela, and Malala Yousafzai. The Peace Prize normally draws much attention from the public because of its relevance that stands directly with efforts towards world harmony.
Prize in Economic Sciences: This is not among the original prizes. It is quickly gaining importance in recent times because of how ‘strictly’ economics has ‘shaped the modern world.’ Recent winners have included economists in behavioral economics and international trade.
How and When to Celebrate the Nobel Prize
Winning a Nobel Prize has gradually turned out not only to be recognition of excellence in one or more persons but, for the winners, catapults them into another level of influence. The Nobel laureate becomes an ambassador to the rest of the world for his or her cause. From that platform, they speak of the change needed or further research. This prize undoubtedly shifts society closer to hopefully spreading excellence throughout coming generations.
Conclusion:
The Nobel Prize is a testament to human ingenuity and relentless pursuit of knowledge, peace, and progress. It not only honours the individual whose human endeavour it rewards but also inspires a better, more innovative, and more compassionate world.