"I intend to leave after my death a large fund for the promotion of the peace idea, but I am skeptical as to its results." ~ Alfred Nobel
Swedish chemist, inventor, and philanthropist Alfred Bernhard Nobel (1833-1896) provided that his $9 million estate be distributed yearly in five equal parts as prizes to those who had most helped the world in physics, chemistry, medicine and physiology, literature, and world peace. Each winner was known as "laureate," after the laurel crowns awarded to ancient athletes.
