Destiny… has to fulfill itself in a thousand ways, so that goodness may be actualized. What every individual has to contribute remains his own secret.
Albert Schweitzer
Share In the Knowledge
Topic: Serving Others
Let no one measure himself by his conclusions respecting someone else. The destiny of men has to fulfill itself in a thousand ways, so that goodness may be actualized. What every individual has to contribute remains his own secret. But we must all mutually share in the knowledge that our existence only attains its true value when we have experienced in ourselves the truth of the declaration: ‘He who loses his life shall find it.’
Albert Schweitzer (January 14, 1875 - September 4, 1965) was a multi-faceted personality—a theologian, organist, writer, humanitarian, philosopher, and physician—whose accomplishments spanned diverse areas. Born into an Alsatian family with a rich tradition in religion, music, and education, his early life was shaped by the spiritual and scholarly pursuits of his ancestors. This milieu nurtured his deep interest in theology and music. A Lutheran by faith, Schweitzer challenged both the secular view of Jesus as well as the traditional Christian view, contributing significantly to the interpretation of Pauline Christianity. His life was also characterized by a strong dedication to humanitarian work, as exemplified by his role as a medical missionary in Africa.
Schweitzer embarked on his intellectual journey at the University of Strasbourg in 1893, where he undertook intensive theological studies. He received his doctorate in philosophy in 1899 with a dissertation on Kant's religious philosophy and his licentiate in theology in 1900. During this period, he began preaching at St. Nicholas Church and held several high-ranking administrative positions at the Theological College of St. Thomas from 1901 to 1912. His acclaimed book, The Quest of the Historical Jesus, published in 1906, established his reputation as a notable theological scholar.
Parallel to his theological endeavors, Schweitzer pursued a distinguished career in music, stemming from his early piano and organ lessons. He was recognized as an internationally renowned concert organist from his young adulthood until his mid-eighties. His concerts not only showcased his musical talent but also provided funds for his education and his later medical mission in Africa. As a musicologist, Schweitzer penned a biography of Bach in 1905 and published a book on organ building and playing in 1906, further cementing his reputation in the realm of music.
In 1905, Schweitzer began studying medicine at the University of Strasbourg with a vision to serve as a medical missionary in Africa. Upon obtaining his M.D. degree in 1913, he founded a hospital in Lambaréné, French Equatorial Africa. After a stint as a prisoner of war and a period of six years in Europe, he returned to Lambaréné in 1924, where he spent most of his remaining life. He transformed the hospital into a large complex capable of housing over 500 patients. His life in Lambaréné reflected his multi-disciplinary talents—he was a doctor, surgeon, pastor, administrator, writer, musician, and a gracious host. His exceptional service earned him numerous honors, including the Goethe Prize of Frankfurt and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953. The latter award's prize money helped him establish a leprosarium in Lambaréné. Albert Schweitzer passed away on September 4, 1965, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and dedication to the service of humanity.
The Spiritual Life
Schweitzer, Albert. : The Spiritual Life: Selected Writings of Albert Schweitzer. 1947, p. 267.
Albert Schweitzer
Theme: Serving
About This Albert Schweitzer Quotation [Commentary]
Albert Schweitzer’s words, “The destiny of men has to fulfill itself in a thousand ways, so that goodness may be actualized. What every individual has to contribute remains his own secret,” reveal the quiet, personal nature of service and human contribution. Schweitzer recognizes that each person’s life follows a distinct path, and the ways they bring goodness into the world are often unseen or unnoticed. By emphasizing the diverse expressions of human purpose, he reminds us that every life holds value in its own unique way.
In his ethic of reverence for life, Schweitzer calls for a life of service that transcends self-interest. He insists that no one—whether scholar, artist, or businessperson—can live only for their own pursuits. Instead, each is asked to offer something of themselves for the well-being of others. The form and extent of this sacrifice are deeply personal, shaped by one’s reflections and circumstances. For some, service may be woven into the routines of everyday life, while for others, it may require a significant and visible act of self-surrender.
Schweitzer urges us not to measure or compare these contributions. Every individual’s journey is distinct, and their unique role in actualizing goodness remains their “own secret.” By trusting the unfolding of our lives and seeking to serve in whatever way we are called, we find deeper meaning and connection. In Schweitzer’s words, “He who loses his life shall find it,” pointing to the enduring truth that through giving of ourselves, we truly discover life’s deeper purpose.
The Context Passage For Albert Schweitzer’s Quote [Excerpt]
The ethic of reverence for life constrains all, in whatever walk of life they may find themselves, to busy themselves intimately with all the human and vital processes which are being played out around them, and to give themselves as men to the man who needs human help and sympathy. It does not allow the scholar to live for his science alone, even if he is very useful to the community in so doing. It does not permit the artist to exist only for his art, even if he gives inspiration to many by its means. It refuses to let the businessman imagine that he fulfills all legitimate demands in the course of his business activities. It demands from all that they should sacrifice a portion of their own lives for others. In what way and in what measure this is his duty, this everyone must decide on the basis of the thoughts which arise in himself, and the circumstances which attend the course of his own life. The self-sacrifice of one may not be particularly in evidence. He carries it out simply by continuing his normal life. Another is called to some striking self-surrender which obliges him to set on one side all regard for his own progress. Let no one measure himself by his conclusions respecting someone else. The destiny of men* has to fulfill itself in a thousand ways, so that goodness may be actualized. What every individual has to contribute remains his own secret. But we must all mutually share in the knowledge that our existence only attains its true value when we have experienced in ourselves the truth of the declaration: ‘He who loses his life shall find it.’
—Albert Schweitzer. The Spiritual Life: Selected Writings of Albert Schweitzer. 1947, p. 267.
*Historically, male-gendered language has been used as a linguistic convention intended to refer to both men and women inclusively.
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