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It’s never too late to reshape our story. Think about a quote or poem has profoundly impacted you and why – what does it awaken inside of you?

The Story

Ever wonder why certain quotes or poems resonate so deeply? They often give words to emotions we haven’t yet articulated, reflecting our own inner narratives.

I’ve always been drawn to quotes. I collect them in books, on calendars, in the margins of my notebooks—short phrases that somehow hold entire stories within them.

But I didn’t fully understand why they moved me until I realized: they are reflections. They help us see ourselves.

This realization became even clearer when I visited the Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm, Sweden.

I thought I knew the basics about Alfred Nobel—he was an inventor, he created the Nobel Prizes. But I never knew his story would change the way I think about legacy, regret, and reinvention.

The Invention That Led to Regret

Nobel wanted to be a writer, yet followed the path of engineering. His greatest invention—stabilized dynamite—was meant for construction and industry. But it became a tool for warfare.

And he regretted it. Deeply.

As historian David Klapp notes, “Alfred Nobel was the first to regret his invention. He regretted inventing the stabilizing component of dynamite. When dynamite was first invented, it was precarious and prone to explosions, causing many casualties. Nobel’s work made dynamite more stable, which led to its widespread use in warfare.” (Klapp, 2024)

Despite his immense wealth (adjusted for today, in the billions), Nobel died alone—no family, no heirs. And yet, in his final years, he made a choice that would redefine his legacy.

Determined to leave a positive impact, Nobel bequeathed his fortune to create the Nobel Prizes, recognizing those who contribute to science, literature, and peace.

His story reminds us that:
✔ Impact is not just about what you create—it’s about what you do with it.
✔ Regret is not the end of a story—it can be the beginning of reinvention.
✔ Your legacy isn’t written until you decide how it will be remembered.

It’s Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself

At the time, I was questioning if I had missed my moment—if certain dreams were no longer possible. But standing in that museum, I realized:

It’s never too late.

Most people don’t realize that Nobel established the Nobel Prizes in his will. In his final moments, he rewrote his own story.

It made me pause: Where can legacy be found?

Most Nobel laureates receive their awards later in life. Some spent decades refining their craft. Nobel himself didn’t shape his greatest impact until his final years.

“Create something that did not exist before.” – William Faulkner, 1949 Nobel Prize in Literature

We all have the ability to build something new. To start fresh. To pivot.

The Power of Stories to Unlock Something in Us

In the museum bookstore, I picked up The 1,000 Wisest Things Ever Said by David Pratt. The quotes on achievement, meaning, and belief struck me the most.

Yes, these were some of the most accomplished minds in history. But their reflections weren’t about success—they were about searching, questioning, hoping.

And that’s the power of words. They help us see ourselves in places we never imagined. They unlock something within us.

They remind us of the innovator inside us.

So I’ll ask you this:

What do you truly want to do?

Start now.

“I have one life and one chance to make it count for something.” – Jimmy Carter, 2002 Nobel Peace Prize winner