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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