Albert Schweitzer: biography, books, quotes

Outstanding humanist, philosopher, physician Albert Schweitzer with his whole life showed an example of serving humanity. He was a versatile person, engaged in music, science, theology. His biography is full of interesting facts, and quotes from Schweitzer's books are instructive and aphoristic.

Early life and family

Albert Schweitzer was born in a religious family on January 14, 1875. His father was a pastor, his mother was the daughter of a pastor. From early childhood, Albert went to work in the Lutheran church and all his life he loved the simplicity of the rites of this branch of Christianity. The family had four children, Albert was the second child and the eldest son. He spent his childhood in the small town of Günsbach. In his recollection, it was a very happy time. At the age of six he was sent to school, and it can not be said that it was a pleasure for him. At school he studied mediocre, the greatest successes he achieved in music. The family held many conversations on religious topics, the father told the children the history of Christianity, every Sunday Albert went to his father's services. Already at an early age, he had many questions about the essence of religion.

The Albert family had not only deep religious, but also musical traditions. His grandfather was not only a pastor, but also played on the organ, he himself designed these musical instruments. Schweizer was a close relative of the well-known philosopher J.-P. Sartre.

Education

Albert changed several schools until he got to Mühlhausen in the gymnasium, where he met "his" teacher, he was able to inspire the boy for serious studies. And in a few months Schweizer from the last disciples became the first. All the years he studied at the gymnasium he continued to systematically study music under the supervision of his aunt, who lived. He also began to read a lot, this passion was preserved for his whole life.

In 1893, after graduating from high school, Schweizer entered the University of Strasbourg, which was in its heyday. Many young scientists worked here, long-term studies were carried out. Albert immediately goes to two faculties: theological and philosophical, and also attends a course in music theory. Schweitzer could not pay for education, he needed a scholarship. In order to reduce the duration of training, he goes to the army as a volunteer, this made it possible to obtain a degree in a shorter period of time.

In 1898, Albert graduated from the university, he passes the exams so brilliantly that he receives a special scholarship for a period of 6 years. For this he is obliged to defend the thesis or will have to return the money. He passionately begins to study the philosophy of Kant at the Sorbonne University in Paris and a year later receives a doctorate by writing a brilliant work. The next year he defends his thesis on philosophy, and a little later gets the title of a licentiate on theology.

Way in three directions

After obtaining a degree before Schweitzer, there are brilliant opportunities in science and teaching. But Albert makes an unexpected decision. He becomes a pastor. In 1901 Schweitzer's first books on theology were published: a book about the life of Jesus, a work about the Last Supper.

In 1903, Albert took the place of a professor of theology at St. Thomas, a year later he became the director of this educational institution. At the same time Schweitzer continues to engage in scientific research and becomes a major researcher of the works of I. Bach. But Albert, with such fantastic employment, continued to think that he had not fulfilled his destiny. At the age of 21, he swore that he would be engaged in theology, music, science before age 30, and then he would serve humanity. He believed that everything he received in life requires a return to the world.

Medicine

In 1905, Albert read an article in the newspaper about the catastrophically shortage of doctors in Africa, and immediately made the most important decision in his life. He leaves work in college and enters the medical college of Strasbourg University. To pay for training, he actively gives organ concerts. So Albert Schweitzer, whose biography changes dramatically, begins his "service to humanity". In 1911, he graduated from college and rushed to his new path.

Life for the benefit of others

In 1913, Albert Schweitzer went to Africa to organize a hospital. He had the minimum funds to create a mission, which was provided by the mission organization. Schweitzer had to get into debt in order to acquire at least a minimum set of necessary equipment. The need for medical care in Lambarene was enormous, only in the first years Albert accepted 2000 patients.

In 1917, during the First World War, Schweitzer was sent, as a German citizen, to the French camps. And after the war, he was forced to remain in Europe for 7 more years. He worked in the Strasbourg hospital, paid debts for the mission and raised money to resume work in Africa, giving organ concerts.

In 1924, he was able to return to Lambarene, where he found the ruins instead of the hospital. I had to start all over again. Gradually, through the efforts of Schweitzer, the hospital complex turned into a whole settlement of 70 buildings. Albert tried to win the trust of the natives, so the hospital complex was built on the principles of local settlements. The periods of work in the hospital Schweitzer had to alternate with European periods, during which he gave lectures, gave concerts and collected money.

In 1959, he settled permanently in Lambarena, where pilgrims and volunteers were drawn to him. Schweitzer lived a long life and died at the age of 90 in Africa. The business of his life, the hospital, passed to his daughter.

Philosophical views

During the First World War and Schweitzer begins to think about the ethical foundations of life. Gradually, for several years he formulates his own philosophical concept. Ethics is built on the highest expediency and justice, it is the core of the universe, says Albert Schweitzer. "Culture and ethics" is a work in which the philosopher presents his basic ideas about the world order. He believes that ethical progress motivates the world, that humanity needs to reject decadent ideas and "revive" the true human "I", only in this way it is possible to overcome the crisis in which modern civilization is located. Schweitzer, being a deeply religious man, did not condemn anyone, but only pitied and tried to help.

Books by A. Schweitzer

During his life, Albert Schweitzer wrote many books. Among them there are works on the theory of music, on philosophy, ethics, anthropology. He devoted a lot of work to describing the ideal of human life. He saw him in renouncing wars and building a society on the ethical principles of human interaction.

The main principle, which was declared by Albert Schweitzer: "Reverence for life." The postulate was first described in the book "Culture and Ethics", and was later repeatedly interpreted in other works. It consists in the fact that a person should strive for self-improvement and self-denial, and also experience "concern of constant responsibility". The philosopher himself became the brightest example of life in accordance with this principle. In all his life, Schweitzer wrote more than 30 works and many articles and lectures. Now many of his well-known works such as:

• "Philosophy of Culture" in 2 parts;
• "Christianity and world religions";
• "Religion in Contemporary Culture"
• "The problem of peace in the modern world."

Awards

Humanist Albert Schweitzer, whose books are still considered a model of the "ethics of the future", repeatedly received various awards and prizes, which he always spent for the benefit of his hospital and African residents. But his most important award was the Nobel Peace Prize, which he received in 1953. She allowed him to abandon the search for money and focus on helping patients in Africa. At the award, he built a leprosy in Gabon and treated patients for many years. In his speech at the awarding of the Nobel Prize, Schweitzer called on people to stop fighting, to abandon nuclear weapons and to concentrate on finding a Man within himself.

Statements and quotations

Albert Schweitzer, whose quotes and statements are a real ethical program, thought a lot about the destiny of man and how to make the world a better place. He said: "My knowledge is pessimistic, and faith is optimistic." It helped him to be realistic. He believed that "A personal example is the only method of persuasion" and with his own life he urged people to be compassionate and responsible.

Personal life

Albert Schweitzer was happily married. He met his wife back in 1903. She became a faithful companion of her husband in his service to people. Elena graduated from nursing courses and worked with Schweitzer in the hospital. The couple had a daughter, Rena, who continued her parents' business.