Thought for the month
"There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen"
Vladimir Ilyich Lenin. 1870 – 1924
Friday, 1 November 2013
Noble intentions
The last Will and Testament of Alfred Bernhard Nobel is an
interesting read. I am favourably drawn to a man who leaves an annuity to his
former gardener. The 1895 will set up the funds to endow annual prizes in
the five areas of physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and champions of
peace. Interestingly mathematics was not included and there was no mention of
economics. Nobel’s clearly stated desire was that all the prizes were to those
who, during the preceding year, shall
have conferred the greatest benefit to mankind. It is perhaps open
to debate how well this first objective is being met alongside his further aim,
in the area of physics, of apportioning a prize to the person who shall have made the most important
discovery or invention within the field of physics. Over one
hundred years later are we being true to both of Nobel’s wishes?
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