Alfred grew up in Sweden in the 19th century as a bright boy with an unusual fascination for explosives. He went on to study and developed a career in chemistry and later became an engineer and a well-known entrepreneur.

Alfred was most widely known for his invention of explosives – not fireworks but dynamite! He developed factories all over the world to help expand the railroads and roadways. He also changed the way nations waged war against each other through the use of dynamite and other explosives.

Alfred became an extremely wealthy socialite who traveled the globe. However, one morning in 1888, something changed.  Alfred woke up to read the morning news. It was in this French newspaper that he suddenly discovered his own obituary had been written.

In reality, it was his brother Ludwig that had died. The editor had received misinformation. Yet it still struck Alfred to the core. The headline of Alfred’s obituary read, The merchant of death is dead.

What cold, hard words these were. Is this the way the world saw him? A man known for bringing destruction thru weapons and war. This made Alfred think deeply about how he wanted to be remembered when his time really did come. He decided that he would work the rest of his life to leave a different legacy. And he did!

All of us have probably heard of the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. Recognize the name? Eleven years later, Alfred did pass away. But he had a plan in place for good. In his will, Alfred left much of his fortune so those who had done their best work for humanity could be awarded. He wanted to be a part of helping others celebrate those who made the world a better place. These were people who made strides in bringing peace and progress in science, literature, medicine and economics. Heroes like Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter, Doctors without Borders and so many more!

For the past 120 years we have honored people worldwide with the cherished Nobel Peace Prize. Alfred Nobel changed his legacy.  We now remember him, not as the merchant of death but as the champion of peace. It’s such a good reminder to all of us to think about what we want to be remembered for.

Michael Hyatt author of Living Forward encourages all of us to write our own obituary. While we are living, think about what we want to be remembered for – then live it out!

Thank you for striving to be people who live to bring God glory. Every little act of love, mercy, kindness and generosity is seen and matters! It’s what will be remembered by others. Thank you for living to leave a legacy that will be celebrated here and in heaven too!