Albert Schweitzer

ANIMALS, NATURE
and
ALBERT SCHWEITZER

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I am life which wills to live
in the midst of life which wills to live.
-- Albert Schweitzer

By respect for life
we become religious in a way
that is elementary, profound and alive.
-- Albert Schweitzer

Editing and Commentary
Ann Cottrell Free

Photographs by Erica Anderson
and Others
Design by Charles F. Herrmann, III

Published by

The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship
The Albert Schweitzer Center
The Animal Welfare Institute
The Humane Society of the United States

CONTENTS

Preface
Chapter 1. Young Schweitzer's Questions
Chapter 2. Africa
Chapter 3. Reverence for Life
Chapter 4. Down to Cases
Chapter 5. Animals and Plants Around Him
Chapter 6. The World Listens
Chronology
Sources for Selections
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Sponsoring Publishers

Dedicated to Myrta Pearson Ross
and Rhena Schweitzer Miller
Who in their own lives carry on the spirit of
Helene and Albert Schweitzer

In Memory
of
Dr. Schweitzer's animal companions.

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Man can no longer live for himself alone.
We must realize that all life is valuable and
that we are united to all life. From this
knowledge comes our spiritual relationship
with the universe.
-- Albert Schweitzer

PREFACE

Albert Schweitzer was a man of many talents and purposes -- philosopher, physician, musician, theologian, author, builder. His life was his argument. And, indeed, it was his monument as well, because he lives on through the accomplishments of the Schweitzer Hospital at Lambarene, Gabon in Equatorial Africa, through his philosophical works, his studies of Jesus, St. Paul, Goethe and Bach, and through the recorded brilliance of his organ playing.

But perhaps, Albert Schweitzer's most lasting legacy is found in his articulation of his basic philosophy through three words: reverence for life.

Dr. Schweitzer grappled with the paradoxes of the man-animal-nature relationship as no philosopher had done before. As a result, his philosophy has shaped attitudes, led to passage of laws and, in many ways, has helped to transform the second half of the 20th century.

This small volume -- created for all ages -- shows, primarily through Dr. Schweitzer's own words, how his philosophy developed as his life unfolded. The book has but one goal: to help keep alive the Albert Schweitzer spirit.

A.C.F.

To think out in every implication the ethic of
love for all creation -- this is the difficult task
which confronts our age.
-- Albert Schweitzer

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02/07/04