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Albert Schweitzer's life demonstrated a commitment to scholarship and service. As a young man in Germany, Schweitzer (1875-1965) dedicated himself to the study of theology and philosophy, publishing his famous book, "Quest of the Historical Jesus." At the age of thirty, he received a doctorate in music for his outstanding research of the life of J.S. Bach. Eventually, he attended medical school in order to serve as a medical missionary in Africa in 1913. His hospital in Lambarene attracted worldwide attention because of his selfless devotion to provide medical assistance to isolated villages there. He received a Nobel Peace Prize in 1952 at the age of 77. His acceptance speech was described as a "Declaration of Conscience" in that Schweitzer expressed his personal opposition to atomic testing at that time. Today Albert Schweitzer is known as one of the great humanitarians of the 20th century, because he promoted "Reverence for Life," a philosophy of service and nonviolence.

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