How Albert Schweitzer Changed the World essays

How Albert Schweitzer Changed the World essays A farmer who has mowed down a thousand flowers in his meadow to feed his cows should take care that on his way home he does not, in wanton pastime, switch off the head of a single flower growing at the edge of the road, for in so doing he injures life without being forced to do so by necessity. This odd yet profound quote by Dr. Albert Schweitzer is, in essence, the epitome of his entire lifes philosophy. The emphasis that Schweitzer puts on saving a life, even if it is that of a flower, gives insight to how true of a philanthropist he really was. Albert Schweitzer, born in Alsace (a small village then part of Germany, now part of France) on January 14, 1875, devoted his life to religion, music, and medicine. All these things, however, revolved primarily around his lifelong goal of helping others. Even at a very young age, Schweitzer found compassion for any living creature. From childhood, I felt a compassion for animals. Even before I started school, I found it impossible to unde rstand why, in my evening prayers, I should pray only for human beings. Consequently, after my mother had prayed with me and had given me a goodnight kiss, I secretly recited another prayer, one I had composed myself. It went like this: Dear God, protect and bless all living beings. Keep them from evil and let them sleep in peace. It was this compassion that drove Schweitzer to doing amazing things, touching the lives of many people (and animals!), and ultimately changing the world. In 1893, Albert Schweitzer enrolled at the University of Strasbourg, later receiving a Doctorate in Philosophy in 1899. In 1900, he obtained an advanced degree in theology. He wrote many theological, historical, and music-oriented books, including the world-renowned The Quest For the Historical Jesus. While these degrees lead him to a number of semi-fulfilling jobs, it was a day in 1904 when Schweitzer found his true calling. By f...