Nobel Prize - The Prize for Polymaths
Nobel Prize
honourable prize
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The Nobel Prize stands as one of the highest honors an individual or institution can receive for contributions made to humanity. Created by the will of Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor, engineer, and philanthropist, the Nobel Prize has become a symbol of prestige and global recognition in various field.
Since 1901, the Nobel Prizes have been presented to Nobel Prize laureates at ceremonies on 10 December, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death. The first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901. The Peace Prize for that year was shared between the Frenchman Frédéric Passy and the Swiss Jean Henry Dunant.
Origin
Alfred Nobel, born on October 21, 1833, in Stockholm, Sweden, was a man of remarkable talents. Throughout his lifetime, Nobel acquired 355 patents and made significant contributions to fields such as explosives, mechanics, and literature. Nobel's most renowned invention was dynamite, which had an extraordinary impact on industries, infrastructure, and warfare. However, Nobel's legacy was not just limited to scientific innovations; he also displayed great interest in social issues.
In 1888, Alfred Nobel's younger brother Ludvig passed away, leading to a premature obituary being published by mistake, describing Alfred as the "merchant of death" due to his invention of dynamite. Deeply affected and concerned about how he would be remembered, Nobel decided to leave a legacy that would benefit humanity.
In his will, written in 1895, Nobel bequeathed his wealth to fund the Nobel Prizes, which he wished to be awarded in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace. Later, the Sveriges Riksbank (Sweden's central bank) introduced the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel in 1968.
Alfred Nobel had a vision of a better world. He believed that people are capable of helping to improve society through knowledge, science and humanism. This is why he created a prize that would reward the discoveries that have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.
The Nobel Prize encompasses six categories, each highlighting significant areas of human achievement. These categories span the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences. The laureates selected for these prestigious prizes often represent groundbreaking advancements, exceptional literary prowess, influential contributions to peace-building, and revolutionary economic theories.
Selection Process
The selection process for Nobel Prize recipients is meticulous and rigorous. Committees of experts, appointed by respective institutions, review nominations received from eligible candidates worldwide. These committees go through a through evaluation process, which includes expert opinions, peer reviews, and critical analysis. The final selection is made after careful consideration, and the laureates are announced on October 10th each year.
Significant Advancements
The Nobel Prize has served as a catalyst for groundbreaking advancements in various disciplines over the years. For instance, numerous scientific breakthroughs have been recognized through the Nobel Prize in Physics, including the discovery of the Higgs boson and the invention of the blue LED. In Chemistry, innovative research leading to the development of lithium-ion batteries and groundbreaking studies in catalysis have earned laureates the coveted prize.
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has recognized milestones in healthcare, such as the discovery of insulin, DNA structure, and pioneering work on cancer immunotherapy. The field of literature has also been illuminated by Nobel laureates, celebrating literary excellence and contributions that capture the essence of the human condition. The Peace Prize has been awarded to individuals and organizations mediating conflicts, advocating for human rights, and promoting disarmament, thus inspiring peace efforts worldwide. Lastly, the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences has honored economic theories and research that have transformed the understanding of markets and policy-making.
Impact on society
Being awarded the Nobel Prize brings extraordinary recognition and global acclaim to individuals and organizations. Laureates are revered as pioneers in their respective fields, and the prize often serves as a platform to advocate for causes they hold dear.
The achievements of Nobel laureates inspire future generations, encouraging them to embark on groundbreaking research, embrace literary pursuits, champion peace, and contribute to economic progress.
The Nobel Prize has also played a significant role in promoting important social and political causes. By awarding the Peace Prize to individuals or organizations involved in peace negotiations or advocacy work, the Nobel Committee draws global attention to ongoing challenges and the urgent need for resolution. This attention helps mobilize resources, raise awareness, and galvanize public support towards peace initiatives.
1. The Nobel Peace Prize:
Perhaps the most well-known Nobel Prize is the Nobel Peace Prize. While the other prizes are awarded based on scientific and artistic achievements, the Nobel Peace Prize is distinctively dedicated to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to world peace. This category often addresses global challenges, human rights issues, and conflict resolution. The prize has helped highlight critical issues around the world and bring attention to individuals and organizations striving for a more peaceful world.
2. Oldest and Youngest recipient
Malala Yousafzai is the youngest Nobel Laureates who got the Peace Prize in 2014 at the age of just 17 years.John B. Goodenough is the oldest recipient of this prize in Chemistry 2019 at the age of 97 years.
3. Number of Prizes
There are a total of 597 Nobel awards have been given to 950 Nobel Laureates between 1901 to 2019.
4. Marie Curie
Marie Curie is the only one woman who has been honoured twice, with the 1903 Nobel Prize in Physics and the 1911 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
5. In India
It is known that so far 9 Indians/people of Indian origin have received Nobel Prize and the first Indian to receive the Nobel Prize was Rabindra Nath Tagore.
Conclusion
The Nobel Prize, a testament to the indomitable human spirit and its quest for excellence, continues to honor outstanding individuals and institutions for their contributions to humanity.
From its origins and categories to its influence on individuals and society, the Nobel Prize represents the pinnacle of achievement and recognition. As we reflect on the remarkable history of the Nobel Prize, we are reminded of the capacity for human brilliance, creativity, and compassion that exists within us all.
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