Schweitzer and his Reverence for Life Philosophy Research Paper

Schweitzer and his Reverence for Life Philosophy - look Paper ExampleAlbert Schweitzers Reverence for Life philosophy not only applies to human beings, just now states the importance of applying love, compassion, and caring to plants and animals as well. This philosophy stick out be seen as related to early mod attempts to integrate the teachings of Eastern religions into the Western worldview. In the history of many ethical philosophies around the world, regarding all reinforcement things as being sacred and equal to human demeanor is a viewpoint that has been excluded as a social foundation for morality and ethics. Schweitzer accepted the truth to be that all life is sacred and holy, and from this believed we can only inflict death on another living being out of necessity. For most battalion in the world, love, compassion, and kindness extends to human beings only as a basis for morality, and animals or plants are viewed as subservient life forms whose views are not importan t to consult in developing society or the progress of evolution. For Albert Schweitzer, the Reverence for Life philosophy was seen as a means to reform or mixture this moral failure in the West based upon the view that all of life is holy and sacred. Schweitzers philosophy drew heavily on the principles of Eastern religions, particularly Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism.... er, Schweitzer tried to live his views at the highest aim and has become a symbol of humanitarianism and altruism in the service of an expanded view of life in the universe and moral awareness. Schweitzers Reverence for Life philosophy can be seen in many ways as similar to Gandhis Satyagraha, yet scholars state that the two historical figures never met directly. (Isaacs, 2008) Schweitzer himself writes that the teachings of Buddhism were discovered by him in following the Schopenhauer-Nietzsche lineage, and that Nietzsches Exaltation for Life philosophy impressed him along with the moral, Unitarian, and compass ionate basis of Eastern religion in building his personal views. (Isaacs, 2008) One aspect that shows Schweitzers sincerity in humanitarianism is the fact that he returned to education to study medicine after already being a famous and respected writer on humanitarian philosophy. (Joy, 1950) His choice of the medicine job and example of service in Africa was meant to be a living example of his humanitarian philosophy, and it was, in the highest sense. In contrast to the racism, imperialism, and brutality of some Europeans during the Colonial era, Schweitzers path of action can be seen as consistent with Christianity, with Eastern religions, and also with the combined moral essence that is gathered from study of all religions in unity. Schweitzers philosophy related to Theosophy, Anthroposophy, Satyagraha and other attempts by modern thinkers, scholars, and leaders in Europe to introduce the profound truths of Eastern religion to the West. Yet, Schweitzers focus on the humanitarian aspects of service which overcame the racist and barbaric aspects of Imperialism through peaceful non-violence and loving kindness cannot