ABSTRACT
In terms of intellectual achievement and practical morality', Albert Schweitzer has been described as 'probably the noblest figure of the twentieth century'. He studied theology and philosophy at Strasbourg, Paris, and Berlin, and published major works of New Testament scholarship, most notably The Quest of the Historical Jesus. Contrary to many commentators, Schweitzer does not propound reverence as a new moral law but rather as 'ethical mysticism'. Ethical mysticism emerges out of reflection upon the 'will-to-life'. Having clarified aspects of Schweitzer's thought, this chapter indicates some of his main contributions to the development of ecological consciousness. The first and most important contribution concerns the mystical apprehension of the value of life. The second contribution concerns service to life as practical mysticism. The third contribution concerns the recognition of the tragedy of life in conflict with itself. The fourth contribution concerns non-injury to life as the central ethical imperative.
