Albert Schweitzer quotes

Albert Schweitzer was a renowned theologian, philosopher, and musician. Born in 1875, his outstanding contributions to humanity and compassionate values made him an icon. Schweitzer's extraordinary work as a physician in Africa earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952. With his philosophy of "reverence for life," he emphasized the importance of treating all living beings with respect and compassion. As a talented organist, his musical career perfectly harmonized with his humanitarian efforts. Albert Schweitzer's legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding us to embrace a kinder world. Explore more about Albert Schweitzer and his remarkable journey here.

True philosophy must start from the most immediate and comprehensive fact of consciousness: I am life that wants to live, in the midst of life that wants to live.

- Albert Schweitzer

To the man who is truly ethical all life is sacred, including that which from the human point of view seems lower on the scale.

- Albert Schweitzer

There are two means of refuge from the misery of life – music and cats.

- Albert Schweitzer

The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others.

- Albert Schweitzer

The only thing of importance, when we depart, will be the traces of love we have left behind.

- Albert Schweitzer

The most important thing in education is to make young people think for themselves.

- Albert Schweitzer

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.

- Albert Schweitzer

It’s not enough merely to exist. Every man has to seek in his own way to make his own self more noble and to realize his own true worth.

- Albert Schweitzer

It is the primary role of the physician, whether the African witch doctor or the modern doctor, to entertain the patient while secretly waiting for nature to heal the disease.

- Albert Schweitzer

It is the fate of every truth to be an object of ridicule when it is first acclaimed.

- Albert Schweitzer

In the hopes of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet.

- Albert Schweitzer

In case my life should end with cannibals, I hope they will write on my tombstone: We have eaten Dr Schweitzer. He was good to the end.

- Albert Schweitzer

If you love something so much – let it go. If it comes back it was meant to be; if it doesn’t it never was.

- Albert Schweitzer

I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: The ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.

- Albert Schweitzer

I decided that I would make my life my argument.

- Albert Schweitzer

Grow into your ideals, so that life can never rob you of them.

- Albert Schweitzer

An optimist is a person who sees a green light everywhere, while a pessimist sees only the red stoplight. The truly wise person is color-blind.

- Albert Schweitzer

A man does not have to be an angel in order to be a saint.

- Albert Schweitzer

Compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind.

- Albert Schweitzer

Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light.

- Albert Schweitzer

Man must cease attributing his problems to his environment, and learn again to exercise his will - his personal responsibility in the realm of faith and morals.

- Albert Schweitzer

The willow which bends to the tempest, often escapes better than the oak which resists it; and so in great calamities, it sometimes happens that light and frivolous spirits recover their elasticity and presence of mind sooner than those of a loftier character.

- Albert Schweitzer

Revenge... is like a rolling stone, which, when a man hath forced up a hill, will return upon him with a greater violence, and break those bones whose sinews gave it motion.

- Albert Schweitzer

Do not let Sunday be taken from you If your soul has no Sunday, it becomes an orphan.

- Albert Schweitzer

If a man loses his reverence for any part of life, he will lose his reverence for all of life.

- Albert Schweitzer

Wherever a man turns he can find someone who needs him.

- Albert Schweitzer

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

- Albert Schweitzer

Whoever is spared personal pain must feel himself called to help in diminishing the pain of others. We must all carry our share of the misery which lies upon the world.

- Albert Schweitzer

I wanted to be a doctor that I might be able to work without having to talk because for years I had been giving myself out in words.

- Albert Schweitzer

Life becomes harder for us when we live for others, but it also becomes richer and happier.

- Albert Schweitzer