Something within us does not pass away, something goes on living and working wherever the kingdom of the spirit is present.
Albert Schweitzer
To Reach Life By Overcoming Death
Topic: Life Beyond Death & the Spirit World
The man who dares to live his life with death before his eyes, the man who receives life back bit by bit and lives as though it did not belong to him by right but has been bestowed on him as a gift, the man who has such freedom and peace of mind that he has overcome death in his thoughts—such a man believes in eternal life because it is already his, it is a present experience, and he already benefits from its peace and joy. He cannot describe this experience in words. He may not be able to conform his view with the traditional picture of it. But one thing he knows for certain: Something within us does not pass away, something goes on living and working wherever the kingdom of the spirit is present. It is already working and living within us, because in our hearts we have been able to reach life by overcoming death.
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.
Reverence for Life
Schweitzer, Albert. Reverence for Life. Harper & Row, 1969, [Albert Schweitzer, Reverence for Life].
Albert Schweitzer
Theme: Life Beyond Death
About This Albert Schweitzer Quotation [Commentary]
Albert Schweitzer’s words, “Something within us does not pass away, something goes on living and working wherever the kingdom of the spirit is present,” highlight the enduring nature of the spirit beyond physical death. In his reflections, Schweitzer encourages us to view life as a gift, something not ours by right but given to us. By living with an awareness of death, we can appreciate life more deeply. Life, in this sense, is not something to possess but to receive with gratitude, which brings a sense of freedom and peace that transcends fear of death.
Schweitzer presents eternal life as something we can experience now, not just in the future. To “overcome death in our thoughts” means moving beyond the fear of mortality, enabling us to live fully in the present. This belief in eternal life, for Schweitzer, is real and felt in the peace and joy it brings. It is not an abstract concept but a lived experience, rooted in the awareness that the spirit within us continues to live and work when we align ourselves with the kingdom of the spirit.
Schweitzer’s view of “life beyond death” is spiritual but also grounded in everyday life. The kingdom of the spirit is present when we live with reverence for life. That which does not pass away is not just an idea, but a living force within us, revealed when we consciously live with this spiritual understanding. Schweitzer reminds us that overcoming the fear of death allows us to connect with a part of ourselves that continues to live and influence the world.
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