A famous story says that in 1888 a French newspaper mistakenly printed Alfred Nobel’s obituary after his brother Ludvig died. The original “Merchant of Death” text has not been reliably located, so the details are uncertain.
“The Merchant of Death is Dead.” — a phrase attributed to the disputed obituary
In the story, the notice was meant for Ludvig and Alfred read it. Historians cannot confirm that encounter or show that it drove Nobel’s later decision.
Whatever the tale’s truth, Nobel’s will is documented: signed in 1895, it directed most of his estate to prizes. His motives were not stated as a response to an obituary.
📜 His Will Shocked Everyone
When Alfred Nobel died in 1896, he left behind a surprise in his will:
The bulk of his estate — about 31 million Swedish kronor, commonly estimated at roughly 94% — would fund annual prizes. These awards would celebrate those who advanced:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Physiology or Medicine
- Literature
- Peace
Nobel’s will set prizes in five fields, including peace; the first awards were presented in 1901. Nobel Prize biography and will
🎖️ The Nobel Peace Prize Was Born
Today, it’s one of the world’s most prestigious honors. Past winners include:
- Martin Luther King Jr.
- Mother Teresa
- Malala Yousafzai
The prizes began with Nobel’s signed will; whether a newspaper story helped shape it remains unproven.
💬 Final Thought:
How would your obituary read if it ran tomorrow?
Nobel left instructions for prizes in his will. The obituary tale makes a neat plot twist, but the history is less certain.
You can too.