DYNAMITE
AND THE PEACE PRIZE

Topics: Conviction of Sin; Death; Life; Mortality; Motivation; Perspective; Purpose; Repentance; Riches; Satisfaction; Shame; Spiritual Direction

References: Ecclesiastes 8:8; Matthew 16:26; Mark 8:36; Luke 9:25; Ephesians 5:15–16; 2 Peter 3:11–12

In 1867, Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel awoke one morning to read his own obituary in the local paper: “Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, who died yesterday, devised a way for more people to be killed in a war than ever before. He died a very rich man.”

Actually, it was Alfred’s older brother who had died. A newspaper reporter had made a mistake. But the account had a profound effect on Alfred. He decided he wanted to be known for something other than developing a means to kill people efficiently and amassing a fortune in the process.

So Nobel initiated the Nobel Prize—an award for scientists and writers who foster peace. “Every man ought to have the chance to correct his epitaph in midstream and write a new one,” Nobel said.

—Doug Murren and Barb Sharin, Is It Real When It Doesn’t Work? (Nelson, 1990)