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Affirmation Quote by Albert Schweitzer

“Reverence for Life affords me my fundamental principle of morality, namely, that good consists in maintaining, assisting, and enhancing life and that to destroy, harm, or to hinder life is evil. Affirmation of the world - that is affirmation of the will to live, which appears in phenomenal forms…” quote by Albert Schweitzer
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“Reverence for Life affords me my fundamental principle of morality, namely, that good consists in maintaining, assisting, and enhancing life and that to destroy, harm, or to hinder life is evil. Affirmation of the world - that is affirmation of the will to live, which appears in phenomenal forms all around me - is only possible for me in that I give myself out for other life.”

Albert Schweitzer

About This Quote

Source Book: Biography of Albert Schweitzer, 1956

The quote defines morality as protecting and improving life, seeing harm to any life as evil and self‑sacrifice as moral.

In simple terms: Morality is about protecting life and helping others.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize actions that preserve and enhance life.

Themes

ethics compassion responsibility

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • healthcare
  • environmental activism
  • volunteering
  • animal welfare

Key Concepts

Altruism humanism bioethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you decide when to help others versus caring for yourself?
  • What limits should be placed on personal sacrifice?
A Different Perspective

Balancing self‑care with self‑sacrifice can be challenging.

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