The Nobel Prizes and Their History
The Nobel Prizes are among the most prestigious awards in the world, celebrating exceptional achievements in science, literature, and peace. They were founded by Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor and industrialist best known for creating dynamite. In his will, written in 1895, Nobel decided that most of his fortune should be used to reward those who have “conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.”
The first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901 in five fields: Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace. Later, in 1969, the Prize in Economic Sciences was added. Each award includes a gold medal, a diploma, and a cash prize, and the ceremonies are held every year on December 10th, the anniversary of Nobel’s death. Most prizes are presented in Stockholm, while the Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway.
Throughout the years, the Nobel Prizes have recognized many extraordinary individuals. Among the most famous early winners are Marie Curie, who received two prizes for her pioneering research on radioactivity; Albert Einstein, honored for his discovery of the photoelectric effect; Martin Luther King Jr., celebrated for his leadership in the civil rights movement; and Malala Yousafzai, the youngest laureate, for her activism supporting girls’ education. In literature, figures such as Ernest Hemingway, Gabriel García Márquez, and Toni Morrison have been awarded for their lasting contributions to world literature.
In recent years, the Nobel Prizes have continued to recognize groundbreaking work. Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman were awarded for developing mRNA vaccine technology, while David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John Jumper were honored for advances in artificial intelligence and protein research. Han Kang received the Literature Prize for her moving writing, and the Peace Prize went to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese group promoting a world free of nuclear weapons. Today, on 6 October 2025, the 2025 Medicine Prize was awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi for their discoveries in immune tolerance. More winners will be announced this week, as the committees reveal the 2025 laureates in Physics, Chemistry, Literature, Peace, and Economics.
The Nobel Prizes have also been awarded to several well-known public figures whose influence goes beyond their professional fields. For example, Bob Dylan, the legendary American singer-songwriter, received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016 for creating new poetic expressions in the American song tradition. Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 for his efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation, while Mother Teresa was awarded the Peace Prize in 1979 for her lifelong humanitarian work in India. In 2014, Malala Yousafzai became a global symbol of courage and education rights when she was honored with the same award at just 17 years old. Even earlier, Albert Schweitzer, a famous doctor, musician, and philosopher, won the Peace Prize in 1952 for his humanitarian work in Africa. These examples show that the Nobel Prizes sometimes recognize people who have not only achieved academic or scientific excellence but have also inspired the world through their actions and art.
Finland has also produced remarkable Nobel laureates. The Finnish writer Frans Eemil Sillanpää won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1939 for his realistic portrayals of Finnish rural life. Decades later, Martti Ahtisaari, former President of Finland, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008 for his long-term efforts to resolve international conflicts peacefully.
Although the Nobel Prizes have sometimes been criticized for political influences or subjective decisions, they continue to represent excellence, creativity, and the pursuit of knowledge. More than a century after Alfred Nobel’s death, his vision of rewarding those who improve the world still inspires people across the globe.
THE WORDS to be explained in class next time:
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