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Amazed Quote by Albert Schweitzer

“Today it is considered as exaggeration to proclaim constant respect for every form of life as being the serious demand of a rational ethic. But the time is coming when people will be amazed that the human race existed so long before it recognized that thoughtless injury to life is incompatible…” quote by Albert Schweitzer
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“Today it is considered as exaggeration to proclaim constant respect for every form of life as being the serious demand of a rational ethic. But the time is coming when people will be amazed that the human race existed so long before it recognized that thoughtless injury to life is incompatible with real ethics. Ethics is in its unqualified form extended responsibility to everything that has life.”

Albert Schweitzer

About This Quote

Source Book: The Philosophy of Civilization, Albert Schweitzer, 1923

Ethics should encompass responsibility for all living beings, not just humans, urging a broader moral scope.

In simple terms: Ethics means caring for all life.

Key Takeaway

Expand moral concern.

Themes

ethics responsibility life universalism

Mood

concerned hopeful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • education
  • activism
  • daily consumption

Key Concepts

environmental ethics moral philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What limits our empathy for non‑human life?
  • How can we integrate this ethic into law?
A Different Perspective

Human interests often dominate ethical decisions.

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