You've Helped to Make a Better World

Alfred Bernhard Nobel was a Swedish chemist and engineer. He invented dynamite. He never married and was said to be very lonely. He also suffered from ill health. Yet he believed in benevolence and the future of mankind.

He died on December 10, 1896 in San Remo, Italy, and left most of his fortune to a trust fund. Out of this fund, five prizes were to be awarded yearly in the categories of peace, physics, chemistry, medicine, and literature. The prizes were to be given to those individuals who "during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefits on mankind."

One of the most important reasons we come to earth is to have the opportunity to serve others. All of us can improve the world in some way. Even when you help just one other individual, you are making a positive difference in the world.

This ear, you can give your own "You've Made a Difference in the World" award. Think back over the past year and consider all the individuals you know who have served others in a special way. You might choose a teacher who has helped you or someone else you admire. You might even select a member of your family or a friend. You can fill out this certificate (handout) to give to the person who deserves it most.

Now consider yourself. Think about and make a list of some of the ways you could personally make this a better world in which to live. Then try to do one of the items from your list this month.

Ways to Improve the World
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Make a certificate stating the following:

You've Made a Difference in the World Award

Bestowed upon: ________________________________
For outstanding contributions in the field of:
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Date: ________________________________________
Signed: ______________________________________