The mistake made by all previous systems of ethics has been the failure to recognize that life as such is the mysterious value with which they have to deal. All spiritual life meets us within natural life. Reverence for life, therefore, is applied to natural life and spiritual life alike. In the parable of Jesus, the shepherd saves not merely the soul of the lost sheep but the whole animal. The stronger the reverence for natural life, the stronger grows also that for spiritual life.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Ethics must recognize natural life as valuable; reverence for natural life strengthens spiritual life.
- In plain terms
- Respect nature to respect spirit.
- What can you take from it?
- Honor natural life to honor spirit.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does nature relate to spirit?
- Where does value come from?
Another view
Some prioritize human life over natural life.
More from Albert Schweitzer
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Permalink to quote #45 The ethic of reverence of life constrains all, in whatever walk of life they may find themselves, to busy themselves intimately with all the human and vital pr…
Permalink to quote #47 The deeper we look into nature, the more we recognize that it is full of life, and the more profoundly we know that all life is a secret and that we are united…
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