History Daily The Genesis of the Nobel Prize
Nov 27, 2025
Explore the dramatic life of Alfred Nobel, from a devastating laboratory explosion to the creation of dynamite. Discover how personal tragedies and a deep bond with Berta von Zuttner shaped his views on peace. Their intellectual exchanges fueled Nobel's vision for prizes that celebrate humanitarian efforts. Uncover the romantic tension between them and how her anti-war advocacy inspired his legacy, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Nobel Prize. A fascinating journey through a pivotal moment in history!
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The Deadly Lab Explosion That Changed Him
- Alfred Nobel suffered a devastating lab explosion that killed his brother yet continued experimenting with nitroglycerin.
- That persistence eventually led to inventions that made him wealthy but troubled by their mortal uses.
How A Sand Sample Created Dynamite
- Alfred transformed unstable nitroglycerin into dynamite by mixing it with local algae-rich sand to form a stable paste.
- Dynamite became globally adopted for construction and mining, fueling Nobel's fortune and influence.
Invention's Moral Fallout
- Nobel grew depressed as his invention was used for warfare and caused worker deaths despite its civilian benefits.
- He believed his explosives might push nations toward negotiation but feared their destructive applications instead.
