Albert Schweitzer’s principle legacy to mankind consists of three words, sealed by a life that was a triumphant example of their power.
At sunset one evening, while journeying up the Ogowe River in Africa. Schweitzer ’s mind lighted up with a phrase which brought his whole philosophy of life into sharp focus: Reverence for life.
As a jungle doctor Schweitzer found a hospital in Africa which grew from a converted chicken coop into a world-famous institution. Here for half a century Schweitzer practiced his philosophy of reverence for life.
He was called “ a genius of compassion.”
“We are like waves that do not move individually but rise and fall in rhythm,” wrote the great man.
“To share, to rise and fall in rhythm with life around us is a spiritual necessity.”
The phrase Reverence for life is simple and direct. It was Schweitzer’s fervent hope that though be might be forgotten, these words would live. He wanted others to understand them and use them.
We can make these three dynamic words a part of our lives and practice the art of Reverence for life in these ways…
By striving ti life affirmatively, by looking for the good in life and glorifying it.
By having a deep sense of obligation for the precious gift of life. By giving of ourselves that we may repay life, at least in some small measure, for the infinite treasures it pours at our feet.
By coming to know that Reverence for life is the very heart of our relations with our fellow men; that we should reverence each other, recognize that we are a part of each other, and live together in a spirit of love.
By realizing that when we war on life we war on ourselves, and that Reverence for life is the only pathway to the Kingdom of Peace and Brotherhood.
Written by Wilfred Peterson in 1960.
