Profile of the Day: Alfred Nobel

Alfred Nobel

On this day in 1833, Swedish inventor and philanthropist Alfred Nobel was born in Stockholm, Sweden.

Although today Nobel is best remembered for establishing the Nobel Prizes, he first earned his fortune as the inventor of dynamite. After his brother died in an explosion at his father’s arms factory, Nobel sought to find a safer substance than the unstable nitroglycerin.

It was after a newspaper incorrectly published Nobel’s obituary that he became concerned with how he would be remembered by future generations. The paper had condemned his invention of dynamite and criticized how he had become wealthy by finding ways to kill people faster and easier than ever before. With his legacy in mind, Nobel established the Nobel Prizes, a series of awards for those who’s achievements provide the greatest benefit to mankind.

How are you related to Alfred Nobel? Explore his family tree and discover your connection to the Swedish philanthropist.
 

View Alfred Nobel’s Geni Profile

Image: Wikimedia Commons