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The classic collection of timeless quotations from the Nobel Peace Prize–winning missionary, theologian, and international bestselling author. Famous for founding the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné, in what is now the West African country of Gabon, Albert Schweitzer was an accomplished theologian, physician, philosopher, music scholar, international bestselling author, and even a virtuoso organist. His many pursuits and achievements were inspired by his ethical philosophy of “Reverence for Life,” which he wrote about extensively in his many books and articles. In The Light Within Us, Schweitzer's longtime friend Richard Kik has compiled many of his most insightful and inspiring quotations. Drawn from his many writings, these quotations share Schweitzer's thoughts on service, gratitude, God, missionary work, and much more. A wonderful introduction to the breadth of Schweitzer's thought, this slim volume contains an abundance of wisdom.

This “little gem of a book” shares the Nobel laureate's profound insights on ethics, ecology, human rights, and more (Jane Goodall). The theologian and humanitarian Albert Schweitzer dedicated his life to the betterment of mankind. In 1952, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for his philosophy of Reverence for Life—and for the many ways he put that philosophy into action. This volume gathers together his thoughts on this profound and deeply influential concept. Based on a fundamental respect and compassion for all living things, Schweitzer's philosophy sought to reconcile the conflicting drives of egoism and altruism. He applied this ethical perspective to a host of topics, from war and peace to arts, animal rights, and forming a global community. Reverence for Life draws on Schweitzer's diverse writings across decades, including excerpts from previously unpublished letters to John F. Kennedy, Norman Cousins, Bertrand Russell, and others. A foreword by former US Ambassador, Roger Gamble, an introduction by the editor, Harold E. Robles, and a brief biographical sketch of Schweitzer's life round out this essential volume.

The dimensions of the central theme are illuminated by Schweitzer's discussions of his philosophy of culture, the course of his life, his ministry to human needs in Africa, the idea of reverence for life, the ideal of world peace, the significance of liberal Christianity, and the lives, world-views, and contributions of Johann Goethe, J. S. Bach, and Jesus of Nazareth. The pages of these selections give a remarkable revelation of the creative spirit of a modern saint and philosopher. The translation is by Water E. Stuermann, University of Tulsa.