If I remember correctly, part of the original hope was that it would go to younger people (as opposed to being the climax of a lifetime of achievement), so that

If I remember correctly, part of the original hope was that it would go to younger people (as opposed to being the climax of a lifetime of achievement), so that the award could be used to continue their work. That's part of the reason why it can't be awarded posthumously - the deceased are known for being unproductive.