Reverence for Life Revisited: Albert Schweitzer’s Relevance Today

This book is the product of a conference held by the Albert Schweitzer Institute at Quinnipiac University in 2005. The conference re-examined the life and work of Albert Schweitzer, particularly his idea of Reverence for Life, and assessed the relevance of his ideas for the twenty-first century. The essays in this book represent various perspectives on Schweitzer’s life and works, including: reminiscences from individuals who worked with or were directly influenced by Schweitzer’s life, including Jane Goodall (who was the keynote speaker at the conference); philosophical examinations of Schweitzer’s ideas in light of present concerns; and practical applications of Schweitzer’s ideas to current problems in global issues including arms control, medical ethics, education, and state building. The essays represent perspectives drawn from individuals of diverse backgrounds (from undergraduate students to professional academics, as well as those engaged in diplomacy, wildlife conservation, and health care), and from the United States, Europe, Latin America, and Africa.