Although I am a scientist and I appreciate Einstein being chosen as Man of the Century, I feel that Albert Schweitzer would have been a more compelling choice. It is true that Einstein represents the science and technology that is taking us at a breathless pace into the new millenium. But just where is is taking us?

Schweitzer's scholarship in medicine, music, and religion could easily have led him to a highly successful academic career at a university. But he did not choose this path. Rather, he put his knowledge of medicine to use at a primitive level by serving natives in a remote part of Africa. It was a courageous, soulworthy decision. For that reason it is worth learning everything we can about this man whose mind was capable of such unique comprehension and action.

I am very grateful that Norman Cousins put his editorial skills to use in selecting words of Albert Schweitzer to pass on to us. Cousins is correct in the Introduction when he says "The greatness of Schweitzer rests not just on what he has done but on what other have done because of him."

The words in the text are classified under six headings: Knowledge and Discovery, Reverence for Life, Faith, The Life of the Soul, The Musician as Artist, and Civilization and Peace. Also, an excerpt is given from Schweitzer's 1952 Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech.

The quotations range from humorous to subline; from "An organ is like a cow; one does not look at its horns so much as at its milk," to "The history of our time is characterized by a lack of reason which has no parallel in the past." It is a fearsome accusation for a generation that prides itself on the good job it has done in harnessing reason to science. Schweitzer further reflects that "we have sought to live and to carry on with a civilization which has no ethical principle behind it."

With the example of Schweitzer's life of dedication and service we can perhaps see a glimmering of the ethical principle that is missing in today's world. By living a life of sacrifice and service, his soul grows steadfastly without bound.

As printed in the Editor's Note, I first suggested the ides of this book to the publisher and corresponded with Norman Cousins. In l995 I wrote a multimedia musical dramatization called the "Words of Albert Schweitzer and the Music of Bach>" This acclaimed production is available to churches and universities. It was prsented March l at Syracuse University, New York. Thurston Moore

Edited and translated from the French by Steven E. G. Melamed, Sr., The African Sermons is a collection of sermons delivered by Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) on Sundays in Lambarene, Gabon, from 1913 to 1935. Words of wisdom which reveal the relevance of biblical stories to the daily realities of African life, The African Sermons is an enduring testimonial that transcends the decades, brimming with both faith and practical understanding. Very highly recommended reading for Christians of all walks of life, The African Sermons provide an indispensable insight into the character of one of history's most selfless men of genius.

A brilliant bravo to a task well done. G. Marshall & D. Poling have captured succinctly the life of the last of the 'Enlightenment' minds. Albert Schweitzer was true to the principles of reason, naturalism and thought. He took these principles and undauntedly applied them to his religion and his culture. Albert Schweitzer was a critic of Christianity and modern civilization and this book captures Albert Schweitzer, "the critic".

In the world and church around him he saw conformity and the lack of individual reflection. This is a book about a nonconformism, a brilliant theologian/philosopher and a humanitarian genius.

Unlike other biographies of Schweitzer I have read, these authors write with a fluid, engaging style, pulling you closer to the man that they knew and profiled. Albert Schweitzer lived 90 years and the length of his life is a challenge that biographers must face. They must capture the individualistic spirit of Albert Schweitzer youth, the brilliance of his middle years and the tenacity of his old age.

Albert Schweitzer's Nobel Peace Prize in 1953 spoke of his sacrificial work in Africa, his vital practical philosophy of life, his call to clear comprehension of the historic Jesus that Christianity needs to embrace, his musical brilliance, his compassion for the animal kingdom and his love of healing. Yet, to brush stroke with ink a portrait of this unbelievable figure is a demanding undertaking and Marshall and Poling have done it right, and they did right to one of the greatest personalities of the twentieth century. Strongly recommended. 4.5 Stars.

Although there is no shortage of biographies and books written about Albert Schweitzer, this is among the best which is written with the interests of older children/teens in mind, especially since there IS a shortage of good, nonfiction books that will engage both boys as well as girls. This book fits the bill, telling the story of Schweitzer's accomplishments as a physician, spriitual leader and, most importantly, his efforts to help the people of West Africa who most needed his help. He built a hospital and ministered to the needs of the people there. While some parts of this book may seem dated, the essence of the writing is still quite vivid and heart-warming.

Dr. Schweitzer himself is an excellent interpretor of Bach's music, especially his organ music. His christian belief put him closer to the heart of the great German composer. Everyone who is seriously interested in Bach should read this book which is full of information and insight. To those who not only listen music but alos feel it, the book is will be a spiritual revelation. Shortcoming: in comparsion with German version, some translation is a bit vague or inaccurate.

This superbe little book is a simple and engaging introduction to Schweitzer's life and thoughts. He has a knack for describing, with directness and humor, the thoughts and feelings of himself as a child learning some of life's tough lessons. For anyone interested in Albert Schweitzer, what a perfect place to start!

Collaboratively and expertly edited by Marvin Meyer (Griset Professor of Bible and Christian Studies, Chapman University, Orange, California) and Kurt Bergel (Professor Emeritus, Chapman University and founder/co-director of the Chapman University Albert Schweitzer Institute), Reverence for Life: The Ethics Of Albert Schweitzer For The Twenty-First Century is an inherently impressive selection of profound essays by humanitarian Albert Schweitzer, enhanced with an eclectic variety of soul-searching commentaries on his thoughts and recommendations. Among Schweitzer's presented and scrutinized works are sermons, letters, as well as tidbits of his personal autobiography and deep philosophy. Reverence For Life is highly recommended as life-affirming, fundamental and thoughtfully constructed reading.

The Saudi Royal Family was well presented for younger children. Reed wrote this in a way that enables young kids to understand not only the Saudi Royal Family but the religion of Islam. She remains objective throughout but as an American questions whether or not the Sauds are our friends. She raises this question in a way that would allow kids to think it through and come to their own conlcusion. The photos are wonderful and I liked the color, layout and presentation of the book.

There is no better short book available on the mind and thoughts of Albert Schweitzer than this book. His theology on Jesus and Paul, his thoughts on Bach and organ building, his philosophy on Reverence for Life are all laid out here.

George Marshall (see my review of Marshall's excellent biography: Schweitzer) once asked Dr. Schweitzer what professors would best provide him an education on Schweitzer's thoughts. He replied that Marshall should not go to professors but "read my books! No one can express the ideas of a man as well as he has expressed them himself.... read my books".

Bob Frost of "Biography Magazine" once wrote, "Albert Schweitzer is not exactly forgotten today, but his name won't crop up in daily conversation. Fifty years ago, though, people talked about Schweitzer all the time. An American magazine selected him, ahead of Albert Einstein, as the "world's greatest living nonpolitical person." He was the subject of an Oscar-winning documentary, won the Nobel Peace Prize, and appeared on the cover of Time magazine. Fueled by idealism and burning spiritual passion, this medical missionary led one of the most intense lives of the 20th century."

Be apprized that "Out of my Life and Thoughts" is not an easy read. Dr. Schweitzer's theology and philosophy, though dense, is not incomprehensible. And due to the translation from French to English, you many find yourself reading a passage multiple times to get the gist his thoughts.

That said, for students of this great mind, this is a must read. Strongly recommended. 4.5 stars.

"Since my first years at the university I had grown increasingly to doubt the idea that mankind is steadily moving toward improvement. My impression was that the fire of its ideas was burning out without anyone noticing or worrying about it. ... What was just and equitable seemed to be pursued with only lukewarm zeal. I noticed a number of symptoms of intellectual and spiritual fatigue in this generation that is so proud of its achievements."
Albert Schweitzer was a man of action -- humanitarian, theologian, historian, musician, musical technologist, medical doctor, author, philosopher, missionary, professor, environmentalist, prisoner of war, recipient of the Nobel Prize. He writes an interesting autobiography, which is not surprising when one considers the breadth of his interests and of his achievements in science, the humanities and the arts. In his later years he was perhaps the most widely admired and respected person in the Western world.
Jimmy Carter offers a foreword in this volume; it is economical, a mere six sentences. Schweitzer's philosophical work may be well studied, but does not particularly distinguish itself in this volume (with some notable exceptions). His theological work (i.e., Christology) is generally questionable -- bound to Enlightenment fallacies of a "historical Jesus." I was happy to be concurrently reading the thoughts of a far better theologian, CS Lewis, on the idea of "discovering" a "historical" Jesus. While some of Schweitzer's ideas are [rightly] not highly regarded, his "life and thought" makes for unusually interesting biography. His "reverence for life" precept certainly has great value, but seems to be a less profoundly unique idea than he held it to be. Perhaps my view here is merely ignorant of the world in which Schweitzer lived.
He considered this book to be his best, or at least his preferred, writing, but if you are going to read only one book considering theological and historical exegetics, this is probably the wrong book. On the other hand, Schweitzer makes many observations cleanly and powerfully: "Our world rots in deceit. Our very attempt to manipulate truth itself brings us to ... [a truth] based on a skepticism that has become belief... It is superficial and inflexible." Kant had observed the intellectual paralysis of such "a skepticism that has become belief," but Schweitzer goes further, recognizing it as an even deeper spiritual paralysis.
While Schweitzer's Christology is, at the least, arguable, his firm commitment to Christ's commandment of love is a strong example of the Christian life led in the light of its Teacher's example. The author is [rightly] given to referring to Christianity as "the religion of love." In this aspect, Schweitzer at once offers the non-Christian a true image of Christianity and offers the Christian an important, if gentle, reminder. "[God] announces Himself in us as the will to love. The First Cause of Being, as He manifests Himself in nature, is to us always impersonal. To the First Cause of Being that is revealed to us in the will to love, however, we relate as to an ethical personality." And quoting Paul: "Love never faileth: but where there be knowledge it shall be done away."

Albert Schweitzer was an acclaimed organist, a world authority on Bach, a church pastor and principal of a theological seminary, a university professor with a doctorate in philosophy, and above all a humanitarian. This book gives a stunning account of how he grew into his ideals and I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in ethics or philosophy. I was left with an urge to read more about this true human, who believed and practiced the basic principle of goodness, as I finished reading the book. Schweitzer's faith in what he believes in and how he transforms it to the needy is absolutely inspiring. The epilogue of the book is very thought provoking as it gives a clear idea of his vision and the relevance of it in the world we live in.