| Albert
Schweitzer
(1875-1965) Alsatian
Physician, Musician,
Nuclear Disarmament Advocate, Humanitarian
1952
Nobel Peace Prize Winner birthdate:
January 14
birthplace:
Kaysersberg,
Alsace, Germany | Before
he was 30 years old, Albert Schweitzer had earned an international reputation
as a concert organist and an acclaimed author, in addition to being a pastor and
a university professor. But when he read an article in 1904 about the lack of
doctors in Africa, he decided to get a medical degree so that he could dedicate
his life to help alleviate human suffering through "direct service to humanity."
Starting out in nothing more than a converted chicken coop, Dr. Schweitzer and
his wife opened up a hospital in French Equatorial Africa (now Gabon) in 1913.
He ran the hospital for the next 50 years, leaving to occasionally travel the
world for speaking tours and concert performances to raise money for his hospital.
By the early 1960s, it had grown to over 70 buildings and had attracted medical
professionals from around the world. Albert Schweitzer received the 1952 Nobel
Peace Prize for his humanitarian work. In the 1950s he became concerned about
the nuclear arms race and in 1957 made a radio appeal that was heard in 50 countries,
urging nations with the bomb to stop testing and reduce their arsenals. Albert
Schweitzer believed in a reverence for life, and the example of his life of compassion
continues to be an inspiration to many who have dedicated their lives to alleviate
suffering and make the world a better place.
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