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

 

Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to make his own self more noble and to realize his own true worth.

Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight.

Man can no longer live for himself alone. We must realize that all life is valuable and that we are united to all life. From this knowledge comes our spiritual relationship with the universe.

In order to carry a positive action, we must develop here a positive vision.

Truth has not special time of its own. Its hour is now - always and indeed then most truly when it seems unsuitable to actual circumstances.

Ethics is the activity of man directed to secure the inner perfection of his own personality.

The awareness that we are all human beings together has become lost in war and through politics.

The human spirit is not dead. It lives on in secret. It has come to believe that compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind.

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

At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.

The tragedy of life is what dies inside a man while he lives.

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.

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.