Albert Schweitzer

Strasbourg, standbeeld Albert Schweitzer IMG 5441 2023-05-07 11.55

KaysersbergAS

Émile Schneider, Portrait d'Albert Schweitzer

Eglise St Thomas - Orgue de Choeur

Strasbourg Tram

Albert Schweitzer (14 January 1875 – 4 September 1965) was a German-French theologian, organist, writer, humanitarian, philosopher, and physician. A Lutheran, Schweitzer challenged both the secular view of Jesus as depicted by the historical-critical method current at his time in certain academic circles, as well as the traditional Christian view. He received the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize for his philosophy of "Reverence for Life", expressed in many ways, but most famously in founding and sustaining the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné, now in Gabon, west central Africa (then French Equatorial Africa).

Early Life

Albert Schweitzer was born in Kaysersberg, a village near Strasbourg in Alsace-Lorraine, a territory that was then part of the German Empire but is now in France. He was the son of a Lutheran pastor and grew up in a religious and musical household. Schweitzer excelled in music from a young age and also showed a profound interest in religion and philosophy. He attended the University of Strasbourg, where he studied theology, philosophy, and music.

Career

Schweitzer was not only a celebrated theologian and philosopher but also a respected organist. He was known for his interpretations of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. In theology, he made significant contributions through his critical study of the historical Jesus, which he published in his book The Quest of the Historical Jesus (1906). His philosophical work is best encapsulated in his book Philosophy of Civilization (1923), where he introduced his ethic of Reverence for Life.

Despite his success in these fields, Schweitzer felt a strong call to serve humanity more directly. At the age of 30, he decided to pursue medical studies with the goal of providing direct medical services to people in Africa. After obtaining his medical degree, Schweitzer, along with his wife, Helene Bresslau, founded the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in 1913 in Lambaréné, Gabon. He spent much of the rest of his life working there, providing medical care to the local population.

Philosophy

Schweitzer's philosophy of "Reverence for Life" is a central theme in his writings and actions. He argued that all life is sacred and that humans have a moral obligation to respect and preserve it. This philosophy not only guided his work in the hospital but also influenced his views on ethics, religion, and peace. Schweitzer was a vocal advocate for peace, speaking out against nuclear weapons and the arms race during the Cold War.

Legacy

Albert Schweitzer's legacy is vast. He is remembered as a brilliant polymath who made significant contributions to music, theology, philosophy, and medicine. His work in Africa set a precedent for humanitarian efforts and medical missions in the continent. The Albert Schweitzer Hospital continues to operate, serving as a lasting symbol of his commitment to healthcare and humanitarian work.

Schweitzer's philosophy of Reverence for Life has inspired countless individuals and organizations around the world to engage in ethical thinking and humanitarian action. His life and work have been celebrated in numerous books, films, and other media.

Awards and Honors

In recognition of his humanitarian work and his philosophy of peace, Albert Schweitzer was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952. He used the prize money to expand the hospital in Lambaréné and to establish a leprosarium.

Selected Works

• The Quest of the Historical Jesus (1906)
• Philosophy of Civilization (1923)

See Also

• Nobel Peace Prize
• Johann Sebastian Bach
• Theology
• Philosophy

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