Reverence for life
Dr. Albert Schweitzer (1875 to 1965) was a philosopher, theologian, musician, the preeminent designer of organs for the massive cathedrals built in Europe in the early 1900s and a physician with a worldwide reputation. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952 for his lifetime contributions.
When he reached his 30th birthday after his successful achievements in academics, philosophy, theology and music, he felt the need to return to the university to obtain his medical degree as a way to help the marginalized in our society.
He found an area in Africa, where he decided to transition from bringing joy through music to bringing life to a neglected society.
At the edge of the primeval forest along the shores of the Ogooue River in Lambarene, Africa (then French equatorial Africa, now Gabon,) with his wife Gwen, a nurse, he established a hospital that provided an additional area for families to camp and prepare food for the patients. An otherwise skeptical society soon flocked to his facility for life-saving medical treatment.
Now, with the above context, I will share with you the reason for this article.
I have been showering for the last three days with “Sally!” No, it’s not what you think. Keep in mind, I will soon be “Gettysburg +5” (92 for those who are either historically or mathematically challenged).
Sally is about half an inch long with beautiful antenna that help her navigate. She is a “common but uncommon” slug!
About a week ago, I unthinkingly dispatched a look-alike that was about an inch and a half long who I suspect might have been her mother. What do you do with an orphan slug that resulted from your own lack of sensitivity? If I had known I was breaking up the family, would I have acted differently? I doubt it. Should I have acted differently? We must answer that question for ourselves; for me, most definitely, YES!
If our human species can internalize compassion for the most impersonal life forms, we should be able to be compassionate to ALL life forms!
Schweitzer’s philosophic mandate, “Reverence for Life,” is still good advice to keep in mind as we individually or collectively as a society seek a life of meaning, built on reason and personal responsibility.
If not now — when?