Alfred Nobel

Chemist, Inventor, Awesome Administrator, Social Reformer.

"It could and should soon come to pass that all states pledge themselves collectively to attack an aggressor. That would make war impossible, and would force even the most brutal and unreasonable Power to appeal to a court of arbitration, or else keep quiet."

Hobbies, Interests

Alfred Nobel's hobbies were Poetry and Literature. His interests were Health, Peace Activities and Social Reform.

Poetry, Literature: He wrote poetry and drama. He stated, "A recluse without books and ink is already in life a dead man". Among the prizes established by Nobel is the Literature Prize.

Health: In his twenties he had experimented on nitroglycerine and used it to invent dynamite. Later in life when he developed a heart ailment, the doctor prescribed nitroglycerine as medicine. He remarked, "How ironical that I should have to take nitroglycerine internally." He had stated, "Worry is the stomach's worst poison" and "Contentment is the only real wealth".

He had changed to a vegetarian diet. Among the prizes established by Nobel is the Physiology or Medicine Prize.

Peace Activities: Among the prizes established by Alfred Nobel is the Peace Prize.

Social Reform: An example is Nobel reducing the work day for his employees from 12 hours to 10 ½ hours. His employees came to work for him from faraway places. When asked if being so far from home did not concern them, they would reply with pride, "We are Nobel employees."

Social and peace-related issues: Alfred Nobel held what were considered radical views in his era.

Lord Byron [1788- 1824 preceded Alfred Nobel's birth]. Nobel's "favourite poet".

The eleven volumes of The Works of Lord Byron. Lord Byron was Nobel's favorite poet. Source: nobelprize.org.

Alfred Nobel appreciated Shelley's idealism and love of liberty. Source: nobelprize.org.

There are thirteen red gilt-edged small volumes by Lord Byron in Nobel's library. Inside the first volume is a handwritten poem in French from "Harriett". Identity of Harriett and recipient of books unknown.
Qu'ils obtiennent dans mon absence
Un doux regard de souvenir;
Car de mon coeur plein de constance
Vous ne pourrez jamais sortir. Source: nobelprize.org.

The play 'Nemesis' written by Nobel during the last year of his life. Source: nobelprize.org.

“One comes to be of just such stuff as that on which the mind is set” - Maithri Upanishath, VI.34:3

“…the peace that is found in libraries and laboratories…” - Louis Pasteur

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