Collected here in a single volume are the most important philosophical writings of Albert Schweitzer, one of the greatest thinkers and humanitarians of our time. Carefully chosen from among his many written works, the selections in this anthology illuminate and amplify Dr. Schweitzer’s cardinal principle of belief—a reverence for life. Among the important and revealing works included are “Pilgrimage to Humanity,” which outlines his philosophy of culture, the early influences in his life, and his ideal of world peace; “The Light Within Us,” one of the twentieth century’s most significant and beautiful statements of one man’s faith in his fellow man; and “Reverence for Life,” which states, with great clarity and conviction, the essence of Schweitzer’s wisdom. Because of his legendary fame as a medical missionary, other equally important and outstanding aspects of Schweitzer’s life are not as well known. Readers of this book will realize that Albert Schweitzer was a truly creative thinker, whose concern with the problems of the human spirit and whose methods of expressing this concern have raised him to the stature of one of the world’s foremost philosophers.
Albert Schweitzer, the philosopher, theologian, physician, biographer of J. S. Bach and musician, and Alice Ehlers, the harpsichordist and great Bach interpreter, met as musicians. This book makes available for the first time a selection of letters these two great personalities exchanged between the years of 1928 and 1965. Although music is the main subject of these letters during the early period of their relationship, the letters increasingly deal with their personal and professional lives. Later letters reveal the help Ehlers rendered Schweitzer's hospital through benefit concerts, Schweitzer's concern for the future of his hospital, and his happiness with the growing world-wide acceptance of his ethical ideas. Schweitzer's last letter was written only months before his death.
The dimensions of the central theme are illuminated by Schweitzer’s discussions of his philosophy of culture, the course of his life, his ministry to human needs in Africa, the idea of reverence for life, the ideal of world peace, the significance of liberal Christianity, and the lives, world-views, and contributions of Johann Goethe, J. S. Bach, and Jesus of Nazareth. The pages of these selections give a remarkable revelation of the creative spirit of a modern saint and philosopher. The translation is by Water E. Stuermann, University of Tulsa.
This unique and highly-acclaimed small volume shows - primarily through Dr. Schweitzer's own words - how his philosophy of "reverence for life" developed, from childhood, as his long life unfolded.It demonstrates how the philosopher-physician-musician carried out his philosophy at his African hospital, in Europe and the U.S.A and how he inspired the animal protection and environmental awakening.It describes his bond with individual animals and how he coped with the paradox of the "will-to-live" vs. "the will-to-live."His memorable words, the sensitive commentary and the appealing photographs combine to present forcefully and gracefully Dr. Schweitzer's guidance to all persons troubled by disrespect of the natural word and all that dwell therein.This book, which was originally published in 1982, has gone into eight printings.
In this charming autobiographical essay, Albert Schwenzer tells of his first nineteen years in Upper Alsace and his youthful discoveries of religion, music, and the inspiration of friendship. Even in his boyhood there were traces of what was to become his "reverence for life": as a boy, he writes, he managed to dissuade several companions from going fishing because of the pain he felt the deed gave to both the worm and the fish. In poignant vignettes, Schweitzer also describes his unhappiness at discovering that he had better food or better clothing than chose around him. Memoirs of Childhood and Youth offers wonderful insights on Dr. Schweitzer's childhood journey that eventually led him to dedicate himself to medical service in African colonies. This new translation also has rarely seen photographs of Schweitzer, both as a youth and as an adult.
This book provides the only personal portrait of Schweitzer, here as a young man on a quest to better the lot of humankind, and of the woman who helped to shape that pursuit. Schweitzer was twenty-six and Helene Bresslau twenty-two when they met. He was preparing for an academic life in theology and philosophy, while his skill as a musician supplemented his intellectual work. Helene stepped beyond the conventions of the day by entering the nursing field, by founding a welfare program for single mothers, and fearlessly stating her own opinions. While Schweitzer searched for his path, Bresslau provided the sounding board for many of his ideas.
This “little gem of a book” shares the Nobel laureate’s profound insights on ethics, ecology, human rights, and more (Jane Goodall). The theologian and humanitarian Albert Schweitzer dedicated his life to the betterment of mankind. In 1952, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for his philosophy of Reverence for Life—and for the many ways he put that philosophy into action. This volume gathers together his thoughts on this profound and deeply influential concept. Based on a fundamental respect and compassion for all living things, Schweitzer’s philosophy sought to reconcile the conflicting drives of egoism and altruism. He applied this ethical perspective to a host of topics, from war and peace to arts, animal rights, and forming a global community. Reverence for Life draws on Schweitzer’s diverse writings across decades, including excerpts from previously unpublished letters to John F. Kennedy, Norman Cousins, Bertrand Russell, and others. A foreword by former US Ambassador, Roger Gamble, an introduction by the editor, Harold E. Robles, and a brief biographical sketch of Schweitzer’s life round out this essential volume.
Gathered together for the first time in one place, Nobel Peace Prize-winner Albert Schweitzer's words on ecology, human and animal rights, philosophy, war and peace, music and the arts, and forming a global community.
Presents an English translation of the memoirs of Albert Schweitzer, winner of the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize, in which he discusses aspects of his life and career, and pays tribute to the people who helped him along the way.
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