Outstanding humanist, philosopher, doctor AlbertSchweitzer throughout his life set 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 years and family
Albert Schweitzer was born in a religiousfamily January 14, 1875. His father was a pastor, his mother was the pastor’s daughter. 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 eldest son. He spent his childhood in the small town of Gunsbach. According to his recollections, it was a very happy time. At the age of 6 he was sent to school, and one cannot say that it was a pleasure for him. At school, he studied mediocre, the greatest success he achieved in music. There were many conversations on the family in the family, the father told the history of Christianity to the children, and 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 deepreligious, 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 well-known philosopher J.-P. Sartre.
Education
Albert changed several schools until he got toMulhausen to the gymnasium, where he met "his" teacher, he was able to inspire the boy to serious classes. And in a few months Schweitzer 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 his aunt, with whom he lived. He also began to read a lot, this passion remained with him for life.
In 1893, after graduating from high school, Schweitzer entersto the University of Strasbourg, which was in its heyday. Many young scientists worked here, prospective studies were conducted. Albert enters into two departments at once: theological and philosophical, and also attends a course on music theory. Schweitzer could not pay for education, he needed a scholarship. In order to reduce the duration of training, he sent a volunteer to the army, it gave the opportunity to get a degree in a shorter time.
In 1898, Albert graduated from university, heHe passes exams so brilliantly that he receives a special scholarship for a period of 6 years. For this, he is obliged to defend his thesis or will have to return the money. With passion he begins to study the philosophy of Kant at the Sorbonne University in Paris and in a year he receives a doctorate, writing a brilliant work. The following year he defended his thesis in philosophy, and a little later he received the title of licentiate in theology.
The path in three directions
After receiving a degree in front of Schweizerbrilliant opportunities are opening up in science and teaching. But Albert makes an unexpected decision. He becomes a pastor. In 1901, Schweizer's first books on theology were published: a book about the life of Jesus, a work about the Last Supper.
In 1903, Albert gets a position as a professor.theology in college of sv. Thomas, a year later he becomes the director of this school. At the same time, Schweizer continues to engage in scientific research and becomes a major researcher of the work of I. Bach. But Albert with such fantastic employment continued to think that he had not fulfilled his purpose. At the age of 21, he made an oath to himself that until the age of 30 he would be engaged in theology, music, science, and then he would start serving humanity. He believed that everything he received in life requires a return to the world.
Medicine
In 1905, Albert read an article aboutthat there is a catastrophic shortage of doctors in Africa, and immediately made the most important decision in his life. He quits his job at the college and enters the Medical College of the University of Strasbourg. 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 good of others
In 1913, Albert Schweiter leaves for Africa forhospital organizations. He had the minimum means to create a mission that the missionary organization provided. The doorman had to go into debt in order to acquire at least the minimum set of necessary equipment. The need for medical care in Lambarene was huge, only in the first years Albert accepted 2000 patients.
In 1917, during the First World War,Schweizer was sent as a German national to the French camps. And after the end of the war, he was forced to remain in Europe for another 7 years. He worked at the Strasbourg Hospital, paid off debts for the mission and raised money to resume work in Africa, giving organ concerts.
In 1924 he was able to return to Lambarene, whereI found ruins instead of a hospital. I had to start all over again. Gradually, with the efforts of Schweitzer, the hospital complex turned into a whole settlement of 70 buildings. Albert tried to win the trust of the natives, therefore the hospital complex was built according to the principles of local settlements. Periods of work in the hospital Schweitzer had to alternate with the European periods, during which he gave lectures, gave concerts and raised money.
In 1959, he settled permanently in Lambarene,pilgrims and volunteers reached there. Schweizer lived a long life and died at the age of 90 in Africa. The cause of his life, the hospital, passed to his daughter.
Philosophical views
During World War I, Schweizer beginsthink about the ethical basis of life. Gradually, over the course of several years, he formulated his own philosophical concept. Ethics is based 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 expounds his basic ideas about the world order. He believes that the world is driven by ethical progress, that humanity needs to reject decadent notions and “revive” the true human “I”, only this way it is possible to overcome the crisis in which modern civilization finds itself. Schweizer, being a deeply religious man, did not condemn anyone, he only regretted and tried to help.
Books A. Schweitzer
During his life, Albert Schweitzer wrote many books.Among them are works on the theory of music, philosophy, ethics, anthropology. Many works he devoted to the description of the ideal of human life. He saw him in the rejection of wars and building society on the ethical principles of human interaction.
The main principle that declared AlbertSchweizer: "A reverence for life." The postulate was first set forth in the book Culture and Ethics, and later was decoded more than once in other works. It lies in the fact that a person should strive for self-improvement and self-denial, as well as to experience “anxiety of constant responsibility”. The philosopher himself became the brightest example of life in accordance with this principle. In total, Schweitzer wrote over 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 stillSince then, they are considered a model of the “ethics of the future,” and more than once received various awards and prizes, which were always spent for the benefit of their hospitals and African residents. But his most important award was the Nobel Peace Prize, which he received in 1953. She allowed him to leave looking for money and focus on helping the sick in Africa. For the award he rebuilt leprosarium in Gabon and treated the sick for many years. In his speech at the Nobel Prize, Schweitzer called on people to stop fighting, to give up nuclear weapons and to focus on finding Man in themselves.
Quotes and quotes
Albert Schweitzer, whose quotes and sayingsare a real ethical program, pondering a lot about a person’s purpose and how to make the world a better place. He said: "My knowledge is pessimistic, and faith is optimistic." It helped him to be a realist. He believed that “Personal example is the only method of persuasion” and with his life convinced people of the need 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 the people. Elena finished nursing courses and worked with Schweitzer in the hospital. The couple had a daughter, Rena, who continued the work of their parents.
