An outstanding humanist, philosopher, doctor Albert Schweitzer, with his whole life, showed an example of service to humanity. He was a versatile person, studied music, science, theology. His biography is full of interesting facts, and quotes from Schweitzer’s books are instructive and aphoristic.
Early years and family
Albert Schweitzer was born into 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 services 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 Gunsbach. According to his recollections, it was a very happy time. At age 6 he was sent to school, and it cannot be said that it was a pleasure for him. At school he studied mediocrely; he achieved the greatest successes in music. The family held many conversations on religious topics, the father told the children the story 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.
Albert's family had not only deep religious, but also musical traditions. His grandfather was not only a pastor, but also played the organ, he himself designed these musical instruments. Schweizer was a close relative of the later famous philosopher J.-P. Sartra.
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 to serious classes. And in a few months Schweizer of the last students became the first. All the years of his studies at the gymnasium, he continued to systematically study music under the supervision of the aunt in whom he resided. He also began to read a lot, this passion remained with him for life.
In 1893, after graduating from high school, Schweitzer entered the University of Strasbourg, which was going through a heyday. Many young scientists worked here, promising studies were conducted. Albert enters two faculties at once: theological and philosophical, and also attends a course in music theory. Schweizer could not pay for education, he needed a scholarship. In order to reduce the training period, he volunteered for the army, this made it possible to obtain a degree in a shorter time.
In 1898, Albert graduated from the university, he exams so brilliantly that he receives a special scholarship for a period of 6 years. For this, he is obliged to defend his dissertation or will have to return the money. He passionately embarks on the study of Kant's philosophy at the University of Sorbonne in Paris and a year later receives a doctorate in writing a brilliant work. The next year, he defends his thesis on philosophy, and even a little later he receives the title of licensee in theology.
A trip in three directions
After obtaining a degree, Schweizer opens up 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 received the position of professor of theology at St. Thomas, a year later he becomes the director of this educational institution. At the same time, Schweitzer continues to engage in scientific research and becomes a major researcher in the work of I. Bach. But Albert, with such fantastic employment, continued to think that he had not fulfilled his destiny. As early as 21 years old, he swore that he would be engaged in theology, music, science, until 30 years old, and then begin to serve humanity. He believed that everything he received in life requires a return to the world.
The medicine
In 1905, Albert read an article in the newspaper that there were catastrophic shortages of doctors in Africa, and immediately made the most important decision in his life. He quits college and enters the College of Medicine at Strasbourg University. To pay tuition, he actively gives organ concerts. So Albert Schweitzer, whose biography is changing 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 left for Africa to organize a hospital. He had the minimum funds to create a mission that the mission organization provided. The doorman had to go into debt in order to purchase at least the minimum set of necessary equipment. The need for medical care in Lambarene was enormous; in the first year alone, Albert received 2, 000 patients.
In 1917, during the First World War, Schweitzer was sent, as a German national, to French camps. And after the war ended, he was forced to remain in Europe for another 7 years. He worked at 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 ruins instead of a hospital. I had to start all over again. Gradually, Schweitzer’s efforts turned the hospital complex into a whole settlement of 70 buildings. Albert tried to gain the confidence of the natives, so the hospital complex was built on the principles of local communities. Schweizer had to alternate periods of work in the hospital with European periods, during which he gave lectures, gave concerts and raised money.
In 1959, he settled permanently in Lambarene, where pilgrims and volunteers reached for him. Schweizer lived a long life and died at the age of 90 in Africa. The matter of his life, the hospital, passed to his daughter.
Philosophical Views
During the First World War, and Schweizer begins to think about the ethical foundations of life. Gradually, over the course of several years, he formulated his own philosophical concept. Ethics is built on the highest expediency and justice, it is the core of the universe, according to Albert Schweitzer. “Culture and Ethics” is a work in which the philosopher sets out his basic ideas about the world order. He believes that the world is driven by ethical progress, that humanity needs to reject decadent ideas and “revive” the true human “I”, the only way to overcome the crisis in which modern civilization is. Schweitzer, being a deeply religious man, did not judge anyone, but only felt sorry and tried to help.
Books by A. Schweitzer
Albert Schweitzer has written many books in his life. Among them are works on the theory of music, on philosophy, ethics, anthropology. He devoted many works to the description of the ideal of human life. He saw him in giving up wars and building a society on the ethical principles of human interaction.
The main principle that Albert Schweitzer declared is “A reverence for life.” The postulate was first set forth in the book "Culture and Ethics", and subsequently more than once deciphered in other works. It consists in the fact that a person should strive for self-improvement and self-denial, as well as experience “anxiety of constant responsibility”. The philosopher himself became the clearest example of life in accordance with this principle. In all, Schweizer has written more than 30 essays and many articles and lectures in his life. Now many of his famous works, such as:
- "Philosophy of Culture" in 2 parts;
- "Christianity and world religions";
- "Religion in modern culture"
- "The problem of peace in the modern world."
Awards
The humanist Albert Schweitzer, whose books are still considered a model of the "ethics of the future", has repeatedly received various awards and prizes that 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 let him leave the search for money and focus on helping the sick in Africa. For the prize, he rebuilt a leper colony in Gabon and for many years healed patients. In his speech at the Nobel Prize ceremony, Schweitzer urged people to stop fighting, abandon nuclear weapons and focus on finding a Man within themselves.
Statements and Quotes
Albert Schweitzer, whose quotes and statements are a true ethical program, thought a lot about the purpose of man and how to make the world a better place. He said: "My knowledge is pessimistic, and faith is optimistic." This helped him to be realistic. He believed that “Personal example is the only method of persuasion” and his life convinced people of the need to be compassionate and responsible.
