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Comment by telesilla | Hacker News Reader

Alfred Nobel started the prize because his obituary was accidentally published, putting him in a bad light and he wanted to be remembered differently - we benefit from this prize today, in spite of his destructive business activities. I think it's fair to mention the fact that it was due to Price being accused of overpaying himself that the situation got turned around to be something valuable for his company and staff. However, I don't think it's fair to vilify him in the present day and discredit the results.

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This would be an interesting motivational tool. Have someone write your obituary and then see if you're happy about it. Modify your life accordingly.

With respect to preparing one's own obituary in advance the following quote came to mind:

"In journalism, we recognize a kind of hierarchy of fame among the famous. We measure it in two ways: by the length of an obituary and by how far in advance it is prepared. Presidents, former presidents, and certain heads of state are at the top of the chain."

- Walter Cronkite Quotes

American - Journalist November 4, 1916 - July 17, 2009

> However, I don't think it's fair to vilify him in the present day and discredit the results.

I'm with you for the second part, I think the results can be looked at independently. However, I don't think one good deed should excuse past bad behavior and one should be careful about glorifying someone to the extent that we ignore their misdeeds.

> However, I don't think one good deed should excuse past bad behavior and one should be careful about glorifying someone to the extent that we ignore their misdeeds.

I disagree. What you say is true in a lot of cases [1], but you're devaluing personal growth way too much. This guy's "one good deed" was a drastic and radical break with his misdeed of overpaying himself. He deserves all the glory he can get for that.

[1] For instance: a businessman who spent his life exploiting thousands to make himself rich, who then engages in some half-ass charity at the end of his life.

> we benefit from this prize today, in spite of his destructive business activities.

I really hope that was intentional.

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