Albert Schweitzer Quotes (37+)

Enjoy the best Albert Schweitzer Quotes. Quotations by Albert Schweitzer (theologian, organist, musicologist, writer, humanitarian, philosopher, physician)
Jan 14, 1875 - Sep 04, 1965

 

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

We are all so much together, but we are all dying of loneliness.

The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.

I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.

The willow which bends to the tempest, often escapes better than the oak which resists it; and so in great calamities, it sometimes happens that light and frivolous spirits recover their elasticity and presence of mind sooner than those of a loftier character.

The first step in the evolution of ethics is a sense of solidarity with other human beings.

The most important thing in education is to teach young people to think for themselves.

The world is in a constant conspiracy against the brave. It's the age-old struggle: the roar of the crowd on the one side, and the voice of your conscience on the other.

Reverence for life affords me my fundamental principle of morality.

Wherever you turn, you can find someone who needs you. Even if it is a little thing, do something for which there is no pay but the privilege of doing it.

We cannot possibly let ourselves get frozen into regarding everyone we do not know as an absolute stranger.

The greatest discovery of any generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering the attitudes of their minds.

Albert Schweitzer, born on January 14, 1875, in Kaysersberg, Alsace-Lorraine (now in France), was a remarkable figure whose legacy continues to inspire generations. Schweitzer was a polymath, encompassing the roles of theologian, philosopher, physician, and musician. His profound impact on the world emerged from his dedication to humanitarian work, his ethical philosophy of "reverence for life," and his contributions to the field of medicine.

Albert Schweitzer's early life was marked by academic brilliance. He excelled in his studies of theology, philosophy, and music, eventually becoming a renowned organist and Bach scholar. However, it was his calling to serve humanity that led him to study medicine, and he earned his medical degree in 1913 at the age of 38.

In 1913, Schweitzer and his wife, Helene Bresslau, founded a hospital in Lambaréné, Gabon, in equatorial Africa. This establishment was a testament to his commitment to alleviate human suffering and promote the well-being of others. The hospital aimed to provide medical care to the local population while also conducting research on tropical diseases.

The philosophy that guided Schweitzer's life and work was centered on the concept of "reverence for life." He believed in the interconnectedness of all living beings and emphasized the ethical responsibility to protect and preserve life in all its forms. This worldview shaped his actions, leading him to practice vegetarianism and advocate for the rights and welfare of animals.

Schweitzer's contributions to the field of medicine were groundbreaking. His research on tropical diseases earned him international recognition, and his Lambaréné hospital became a center for medical learning and innovation. Beyond his medical accomplishments, he was an influential voice in advocating for global peace and social justice, using his platform to speak out against nuclear weapons and the horrors of war.

Albert Schweitzer was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952 for his immense contributions to humanity. Throughout his life, he remained humble and devoted to the principles of service and compassion. He continued his work at the hospital until his death on September 4, 1965, leaving behind a legacy of selflessness, dedication, and a profound reverence for all life. His life story serves as an enduring reminder of the power of one individual's commitment to making the world a better place.