Historical Figure
Albert Schweitzer
1875–1965
German polymath (1875–1965)
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Biography
Ludwig Philipp Albert Schweitzer was a German polymath from Alsace. He was a theologian, organist, musicologist, writer, humanitarian, philosopher, and physician. As a Lutheran minister, Schweitzer challenged both the secular view of the historical Jesus as depicted by the historical-critical method current at this time, as well as the traditional Christian view. His contributions to the interpretation of Pauline Christianity concern the role of Paul's mysticism of "being in Christ" as primary and the doctrine of justification by faith as secondary.
In Their Own Words (5)
The thinking man must … oppose all cruel customs no matter how deeply rooted in tradition and surrounded by a halo. True manhood is too precious a spiritual good for us to surrender any part of it to thoughtlessness.
p. 305; also in The Animal World of Albert Schweitzer (1950), p. 179 , 1947
Any religion or philosophy which is not based on a respect for life is not a true religion or philosophy.
Letter to a Japanese Animal Welfare Society (1961); also in The Words of Albert Schweitzer (1984) edited by Norman Cousins, p. 37 , 1961
The good conscience is an invention of the devil.
Variant translation: The quiet conscience is an invention of the devil. , 1923
Let me give you a definition of ethics: It is good to maintain and further life — it is bad to damage and destroy life. And this ethic, profound and universal, has the significance of a religion. It is religion.
As quoted in Albert Schweitzer : The Man and His Mind (1947) by George Seaver, p. 366 , 1947
Not one of us knows what effect his life produces, and what he gives to others; that is hidden from us and must remain so, though we are often allowed to see some little fraction of it, so that we may not lose courage.
p. 164 , 1947
Timeline
The story of Albert Schweitzer, told in moments.
Already a published theologian, philosopher, and concert organist, he enrolled in medical school at 30. He'd decided to spend his life serving in equatorial Africa.
Opened a hospital in Lambarene, French Equatorial Africa (now Gabon). He funded it with organ recitals and book royalties. Started with a converted chicken coop.
Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his philosophy of "Reverence for Life." Used the prize money to expand the hospital and build a leper colony.
Died at his hospital in Lambarene at 90. He'd spent 52 years there. Buried on the hospital grounds beside his wife.
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