• Albert Schweitzer sits at a desk.
Albert Schweitzer Institute

» The Albert Schweitzer Collection

Dr. Albert Schweitzer’s contributions to the arts, sciences, and humanities distinguished him as a great leader of his time; his passion for service and social justice inspires and ignites young thinkers to this day.

Albert Schweitzer was a theologian, philosopher, musicologist, organist, and physician but above all a thinker who truly lived his philosophy. This philosophy drew on his entire lifetime of experience, cultural influence, and interdisciplinary study. The core of this philosophy hinges on three words: Reverence for Life”. He argued that all life on Earth is unified and sacred and that humans have a fundamental responsibility to care for each other and the environment. Schweitzer received the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize for his philosophy, and with the prize money founded his hospital at Lambaréné in Central Africa.

Now more than ever, “Reverence for Life” is a compelling message for us all. Chapman's collection of original artifacts, books, and memorabilia celebrates Dr. Schweitzer's life and his role as a guiding spirit for the intellectual and ethical pursuits of Chapman University.

Albert Schweitzer and a pelican