Albert Schweitzer

Born: 1875 | Died: 1965

Philosopher

Albert Schweitzer was born in Kaiserberg, Alsace-Lorraine, then it was part of Germany, today part of France. The Alsatian theologian, philosopher, musician, physician, and medical missionary won the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work in Africa in 1952.

Schweitzer obtained a doctoral degree from the University of Strasbourg and for some time was a minister at St. Nicholas Church. His book “The Quest of the Historical Jesus”, published in 1906 made him a worldwide influential personality in theological studies. During this time, Schweitzer also became an accomplished musician and an authority of organ music. His biography of the composer Johann Sebastian Bach greatly influenced the treatment of the composer’s music until today.

After making the decision to dedicate his life to philanthropy, Schweitzer moved to Lambaréné in Gabon, Africa, where he stayed until his death. He and his wife established a hospital in Lambaréné and treated thousands of patients. During World War I, as a German in a French colony, he was put under house arrest.

Schweitzer used the term “Reverence for Life” to express his personal philosophy and a universal concept of ethics; a respect for the lives of other beings and the need for the highest development of an individual’s resources. His work continues to have strong moral appeal and serves as a source of encouragement for medical missionaries around the world.

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