Life and achievements
Early life
Albert Schweitzer was born in a very religious Lutheran family on January 14, 1875, in Kaysersberg Alsace, a part of the German empire at that time. His father was a pastor, and from childhood, Schweitzer was surrounded by religion and music. His household developed his passion for the organ and theology, which is evident in Schweitzer's outstanding performance in the two disciplines. At the age of nine, he was singing in his father's church, and soon, his talents were noticed by the international community. His first language was the Alsatian dialect of German. He was raised in a culturally and religiously diverse area of Europe, significantly impacting his outlook.
The early education of Schweitzer in Mulhouse allowed him to get acquainted with significant teachers and organists who became the object of his great respect and admiration for the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. In 1893, he started his theological education at the University of Strasbourg and received his doctorate in Philosophy and Theology. Music remained essential to his personality, and he continued his education with luminaries such as Charles-Marie Widor.
Nevertheless, Schweitzer's life was to change dramatically in 1905; even though he was an academic and a musician, he felt the urge to serve humanity as a doctor. His decision to become a doctor was ignited by the information he got in a magazine about the shortage of doctors in Africa. Schweitzer's family and friends were shocked when he decided to give up an excellent job in theology and music. But he was very persistent, and in 1905, he studied medicine at the University of Strasbourg. He was very much dedicated during his time in medical school with the goal of preparing for his mission in Africa.
Legacy
Albert Schweitzer's life was devoted to service, and his philosophy of "Reverence for Life" is still alive today through his hospital in Lambaréné, Gabon, which is still operational today to serve the region's people. Schweitzer believed that every life is sacred, and this belief transcended his medical practice and became part of his ethical system. This philosophy was adopted in several humanitarian and environmental causes, including animal liberation and anti-nuclear movements.
Schweitzer's influence was not restricted to the hospital that he ran. He got the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952 because of his relentless pursuit of the noble cause of advocating for peace and the welfare of humanity. The $33,000 prize money was spent on building a leprosy wing at his hospital. His works, mainly about civilization and ethics, are still being read by scholars and social activists. Schweitzer's message of love, respect, and self-sacrifice was heard worldwide; people were encouraged to live for others.
However, there are particular controversies associated with Schweitzer's work and efforts. Though his hospital symbolizes modernity, it was criticized for its brutal setting and unhygienic measures. Further, it is also important to note that Schweitzer had a rather patriarchal attitude toward the African people, and some of his attitudes can be considered somewhat outdated from the perspective of modern liberal values and human rights. Nevertheless, Schweitzer is still remembered as a moral man of service to others.
Milestone moments
Jan 30, 1905
Schweitzer's Decision to Study Medicine
Albert Schweitzer was a man who had already achieved a lot by 1905. He was a theologian and a musician but decided to switch to medicine. This decision resulted from an article he came across in the newspaper concerning the shortage of doctors in Africa. Schweitzer experienced a robust ethical imperative to serve, which made him abandon his well-set career in teaching and music.
The news was not well received by his family, friends, and even his co-workers, as many of them could not comprehend why he was letting go of what seemed to be a bright future.
Still, Schweitzer went to the University of Strasbourg for medical studies to become a missionary doctor in Africa.
Schweitzer's decision was a logical outcome of his conviction that only deeds, not words, are the best indicators of a man's ethical character.
He paid for his education by performing in concerts and carrying on his theological studies while practicing medicine.
This event began his humanitarian work and the basis for his future "Reverence for Life" concept.
Mar 30, 1913
Departure to Lambaréné
Finally, in March 1913, Schweitzer and his wife, Helene, started for Lambaréné, now in Gabon, after several preparations. They aimed to set up a hospital for the indigenous people, which was almost nonexistent in terms of the availability of medical facilities.
Schweitzer had finished his medical studies and was ready to practice.
This trip started Schweitzer's life work of serving the poor and the sick in Africa.
When Schweitzer arrived, he encountered several problems, such as a shortage of equipment and meager amenities.
His first hospital was a small building with even a converted chicken coop.
Nevertheless, Schweitzer did not let all these difficulties hinder him from practicing medicine, and soon, the people of Gabon started to know him as a man who was devoted to their welfare.
His work in Lambaréné would quickly be famous worldwide; people, including volunteers and journalists, came to witness his philosophy's implementation.
This was one of the most critical moments in Schweitzer's life, which determined his future and made him one of the greatest humanitarians of the twentieth century.
Jul 24, 1917
Internment during the First World War
The First World War greatly affected Schweitzer's work in Africa. Schweitzer was a German citizen living in French Equatorial Africa; therefore, he and his wife were considered enemies of the French state. In 1917, they were taken as prisoners of war to the Pyrenees and, in the following year, to a mental asylum at Saint-Remy. This internment took Schweitzer away from his hospital and the people he had come to assist, thus putting his work on hold.
Nonetheless, Schweitzer did not lose hope, and, as far as possible, he kept working during his internment.
He used this time to contemplate his philosophy, keep writing, and develop other works on civilization and ethics.
Schweitzer was released in 1918 and returned to Europe, where he stayed for several years, recovering from his illness and mobilizing funds to further his work in Africa.
This period of internment was a tough time in Schweitzer's life, but it also reminded him of his purpose.
He continued to bear with his misfortune, which became part of him; he returned to Lambaréné in 1924 to continue his work.
Dec 10, 1952
Nobel Peace Prize
On December 10, 1952, Albert Schweitzer received the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work and his "Reverence for Life" philosophy. For many years, Schweitzer devoted himself to people in Lambaréné, Gabon, where he treated patients and established a hospital. His acceptance speech, "The Problem of Peace," showed his concern for the future of humanity and his anti-nuclear weapon sentiment.
As such, Schweitzer's Nobel Peace Prize in 1952 gave him the much-needed publicity that helped him garner more support for his hospital in Gabon.
He spent the $33,000 prize money to put up a new leprosy ward at the hospital to increase the facility's ability to accommodate the patients.
The prize also helped Schweitzer to become one of the most prominent moral leaders of the twentieth century.
Before, Schweitzer was honored with many awards, but this Nobel Prize award was the most important one as it brought light to his life's work and legacy to the world and encouraged future generations.