Albert Schweitzer

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Albert Schweitzer
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About Schweitzer

• Date of Birth Jan. 14, 1875
• BirthplaceKaysersberg, Upper Alsace,
• Diet Sept. 4, 1965, in Lambaréné, Gabon

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The eldest son of a Lutheran pastor, Schweitzer
studied philosophy and theology at the University
of Strasbourg, where he took the doctor's degree
in philosophy in 1899. At the same time, he was
also a lecturer in philosophy and a preacher at
St. Nicholas' Church, and the following year he
received a doctorate in theology. His book Von
Reimarus zu Wrede established him as a world
figure in theological studies. In 1905
Schweitzer announced his intention to become a
mission doctor in order to devote himself to
philanthropic work, and in 1913 he became a
doctor of medicine. With his wife, Hélène
Bresslau, who had trained as a nurse in order to
assist him
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He set out for Lambaréné in the Gabon province
of French Equatorial Africa. There, on the banks
of the Ogowe River, Schweitzer, with the help of
the natives, built his hospital, which he
equipped and maintained from his income, later
supplemented by gifts from individuals and
foundations in many countries. Interned there
briefly as an enemy alien, and later in France as
a prisoner of war during World War I, he turned
his attention increasingly to world problems and
was moved to write his Kulturphilosophie (1923
Philosophy of Civilization), in which he set
forth his personal philosophy of reverence for
life, an ethical principle involving all living
things, which he believed essential to the
survival of civilization.
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Schweitzer returned to Africa in 1924 to rebuild
the derelict hospital, which he relocated some
two miles up the Ogooué River. A leper colony was
added later. By 1963 there were 350 patients with
their relatives at the hospital and 150 patients
in the leper colony, all served by about 36 white
physicians, nurses, and varying numbers of native
workers.
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Schweitzer never entirely abandoned his musical
or scholarly interests. He published Die Mystik
des Apostels Paulus (1930 The Mysticism of Paul
the Apostle), gave lectures and organ recitals
throughout Europe, made recordings, and resumed
his editing of Bach's works, begun with Widor in
1911 (Bachs Orgelwerke, 191214). His address
upon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, Das Problem
des Friedens in der heutigen Welt (1954 The
Problem of Peace in the World of Today), had a
worldwide circulation.
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Despite the occasional criticisms of
Schweitzer's medical practice as being autocratic
and primitive, and despite the opposition
sometimes raised against his theological works,
his influence continues to have a strong moral
appeal, frequently serving as a source of
encouragement for other medical missionaries.