With his life's work dedicated to the needs of others, the Swiss humanitarian Jean Henri Dunant is best known as the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Born in Geneva into an affluent family who considered religion and charity a priority, Dunant's father and grandfather held important positions in Geneva, including member of Geneva's governing council, director of a Geneva hospital and mayor of nearby Avully.

Dunant began shaping his future with early interests in finance, religion, and public service. A student of economics during the day, he dedicated his evenings to the poor and sick as a representative of the League of Alms. Following in the footsteps of his Calvinist family, Dunant attended church regularly on Sundays, and then brought the message of religion to a local prison. He pursued his religion further when Dunant joined the Réveil (Awakening) evangelical movement...