Ludwig Albert Philip Schweitzer (Schweitzer) - German and French cultural philosopher, humanist, Protestant theologian. The musician and physician was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952.
The great humanist devoted his entire long life to serving humanity. He was a versatile personality: he studied music, theology, science. Quotes from Schweitzer's books have become aphorisms.
Towards a calling
The biography of a relative of the philosopher Sartre began in 1875. He was born into the pastor's family on January 14th. The child was the eldest son and the second oldest of four children. The childhood of the future famous figure was spent in the small German town of Gunsbad. The period remained in Albert's memory as very happy.
From the age of six, the boy went to school. He didn't like it there. Schweitzer was a mediocre student, but he demonstrated outstanding success in music. Schweitzer's grandfather himself designed the organs and played them. The father talked a lot with the children about the history of Christianity, the son attended the services of the head of the family every Sunday.
Albert managed to change several schools until he ended up at the Mühlhausen gymnasium. Only there teachers were able to inspire a talented boy for serious studies.
Albert did not leave music for a minute. He read a lot. After completing his studies in 1893, Schweitzer decided to continue his education at the University of Strastburg. Young scientists worked there. Albert became a student of two faculties at once. He studied philosophical and theological, attended a course in music theory.
To reduce the period of paid education and receive an academic degree in the shortest possible time, the young man volunteered for the army. In 1989 the university was graduated. The talented student passed the exams brilliantly, having received a special scholarship for six years. For this he was charged with writing a dissertation.
Choosing a road
At the Sorbonne, the scientist began to study the philosophy of Kant. A year later, he became a doctor, having excellently defended his work. The following year, a dissertation in philosophy was presented and defended, and then he became a licentiate in theology.
The academic degree has significantly expanded the capabilities of Schweitzer. However, Albert chose pastorship instead of the expected teaching or research activities. The first books of his authorship were published in 1901.
He wrote about the life of Jesus, the Last Supper. In 1903, Schweitzer began teaching theology at St. Thomas's College. A year later, the teacher became the head of the institution. The teacher did not leave his academic activity. He became famous as the most important researcher of Bach's work.
With the utmost workload, Schweitzer lamented that he had not fulfilled his purpose. His plans were to study science, theology and music until thirty, and then began to serve humanity. According to the scientist, everything that he received demanded a return.
In 1905, Albert learned that there was a shortage of doctors in Africa. Instantly, he made a decision that turned his whole future life. The director quit his job and enrolled in a medical college. After completing his studies in 1911, the doctor began to implement the plans.
Life's work
He went to Africa to set up a hospital there in 1913. The funds provided by the missionary organization were minimal. It took a lot of borrowing to acquire the necessary equipment. At Lambarene, Schweitzer received 2000 patients in just one year.
During the First World War, a scientist began work on the ethical foundations of life. For several years, he formulated the author's philosophical concept. According to her, ethics is built on justice and expediency. It is these postulates that are the core of the universe. The scientist outlined his ideas about the structure of the world in the work "Culture and Ethics". He believed that ethical progress was driving humanity. It is possible to overcome the crisis only with the help of the true "I".
The outstanding figure wrote a lot of books. The works are devoted to the description of the ideal of life. Schweitzer saw it in building a society according to ethical principles, human interaction. The main principle of the doctor was reverence for life. He believed that he should strive for self-improvement, constantly feel a sense of responsibility.
After the First World War, as a subject of Germany, Albert was forced to remain in Europe. He worked in a hospital in Strasbourg, paid off the debt and raised funds for a new trip to Africa. In no small measure, organ concerts gave him income.
After returning to Lambarene, instead of a hospital, Albert discovered its ruins. Everything was rebuilt from the beginning. Through the efforts of Schweitzer, the complex grew to a settlement of seven dozen buildings. The hospital was built according to local principles in order to gain the trust of the natives.
Family and work
Opening hours were interrupted by trips to Europe for lectures, concerts and fundraising. The doctor permanently moved to Africa in 1959. Volunteers and pilgrims began to arrive to him.
I managed to establish a wonderful personality and personal life. He met his future wife Elena in 1903. She became a real helper to her husband. The wife, who finished nursing courses, worked in the hospital with Albert. A child, Rena's daughter, was born in a happy family. Subsequently, she became a worthy successor to the work of her parents.
The famous doctor Albert Schweitzer passed away on September 4, 1965. The hospital went to his daughter.
He has created more than three dozen works, lectures, articles. His work "Philosophy of Culture" in 2 parts; "Christianity and World Religions"; "Religion in Modern Culture", "The Problem of Peace in the Modern World" are still popular today as examples of the ethics of the future.
The most important award for the scientist was the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952. It allowed him to focus entirely on helping the sick, rather than seeking funds. Always true and the only effective method of persuasion Schweitzer considered personal example.
