The Light within Us

by Albert Schweitzer, Richard Kik (Compiler)

The selections contained in this volume were made by Richard Kik. The original edition Vom Licht in uns was published by Verlag J.F. Steinkopf, Stuhgart. It contains sayings of things highly spiritual nature as well as a description of the life of Richard Kik. One such selection is "The beginning of all spiritual life is fearless belief in truth and its open confession." Albert Schweitzer (14 January 1875 - 4 September 1965) was a German-French theologian, musician, philosopher, and physician. He was born in Kaysersberg in the province of Elsass-Lothringen (Alsace-Lorraine), at the time in the German Empire. Schweitzer challenged both the secular view of Jesus as depicted by historical-critical methodology current at his time in certain academic circles, as well the traditional Christian view, depicting a Jesus Christ who expected and predicted the imminent end of the world. He received the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize in 1953 for his philosophy of "Reverence for Life" expressed in many ways, but most famously in founding and sustaining the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné, now in Gabon, west central Africa (then French Equatorial Africa). As a music scholar and organist, he studied the music of German composer Johann Sebastian Bach and influenced the Organ reform movement (Orgelbewegung). Schweitzer's passionate quest was to discover a universal ethical philosophy, anchored in a universal reality, and make it directly available to all of humanity. This is reflected in some of his sayings, such "Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things, man will not himself find peace." "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."

Genres: Philosophy

58 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1971

About the author

Albert Schweitzer, M.D., OM, was an Alsatian theologian, musician, philosopher, and physician. He was born in Kaisersberg in Alsace-Lorraine, a Germanophone region which the German Empire returned to France after World War I. Schweitzer challenged both the secular view of historical Jesus current at his time and the traditional Christian view, depicting a Jesus who expected the imminent end of the world. He received the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize in 1953 for his philosophy of "reverence for life", expressed in many ways, but most famously in founding and sustaining the Lambaréné Hospital in Gabon, west central Africa.

Reviews

[Mark Lacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of snippets of Schweitzer's writings. Surprised to discover I enjoyed it as much as I did. Of particular importance: remarks regarding idealism, humanitarian effort, concern for all living creatures, Christian viewpoint. Makes me think I should read some more things by this famous person.

[Chloe Glynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some very good humanist intentions here and also some racist patriarchal ones as well. It's worth the read if one is willing to keep a close discernment throughout.

[☃️ Quirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid book, very cool. Big on compassion. Short one

[Helen Pugsley]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14497392