Schweitzer was a philosopher, a doctor and a scientist (also a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, though that award has lost most of its luster of late) who dedicated the vast majority of his life to selflessly serving humanity. His work transcended national allegiances and his theology transcended religious dogma. He was a model example of how powerfully we can live once the shackles of our cultural norms, our political alliances and our religious doctrines are set aside in favor of a simple, raw, active and unconditional Caring for others.

“Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things, man will not himself find peace … Just as the wave cannot exist for itself, but is ever a part of the heaving surface of the ocean, so must I never live my life for itself, but always in the experience which is going on around me … A man is truly ethical only when he obeys the compulsion to help all life which he is able to assist, and shrinks from injuring anything that lives … You must give some time to your fellow men. Even if it’s a little thing, do something for others – something for which you get no pay except for the privilege of doing it … Just as the sun makes ice melt, so too does kindness cause misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate … A man does not have to be an angel to be a saint.” ~ Albert Schweitzer

 

Filed under: In LOVE with Humanity by Scaughdt