Albert Schweitser: My Inspiration
By Darren Ng
"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know:
the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have
sought and found how to serve." -Dr. Albert Schweitser
I remember when I was a teenager, my mother would always remind me,
“Darren, whatever you do, always try to think of the consequences of your actions!
The things you do should benefit others, not only yourself.” She would usually
mention this to me when I was about to take the last piece of chicken at the dinner
table or about to leave a mess somewhere. When I first heard those words, I was a
very rude and selfish teenager, so her advice was an annoying intrusion to my selfcentered universe. However, as I grew older, my attitude began to change and my
mother’s words of encouragement began to make more sense to me. What
prompted such a dramatic attitude change? One major influence was the
inspirational life story of Dr. Albert Schweitser. This essay will explore how Dr.
Schweitser’s example encouraged me to seek a greater purpose with my own life.
Dr. Schweitser was no ordinary man. By the time he was thirty, he already
was an accomplished theologian, a researcher of God. However, Schweitser
yearned to serve more people so he decided to pursue a medical degree.
At age
36 he successfully finished his medical studies. Instead of using his vast medical
knowledge to make a lot of money, Schweitser decided to start a medical mission
hospital in Lambaréné, Africa. He spent the remainder of his life serving the African
people, until he died at the age of 90. For his humanitarian efforts, Dr. Schweitser
received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952.
Dr. Schweitser’s amazing life story left me feeling both inspired and ashamed:
I felt inspired to serve others selflessly like he did; I felt ashamed that I had been
living such a selfish life for so long! Schweitser’s life was truly remarkable. He
could have used his great intelligence and skills to benefit only himself; yet,
courageously, he used them to bless others. Instead of pursuing the comfortable life
of a rich European aristocrat, Dr. Schweitser chose the humble life of a rural African
doctor. His story clearly demonstrated to me what it meant to have a purposeful
life of service.
Most interestingly, despite all his hardships, Dr. Schweitser appeared to be a
very happy man. In fact, it seemed that his sacrifice and service was not an obstacle
to his joy, but the reason for it. Reading his story, I thought to myself, “I want to do
better with my life. I too, want to a live a life of thankfulness and humility! I want to
discover the secret joy that comes from serving others!” His example is a big reason
why I am a teacher today. My job is certainly not easy, but serving my students
gives me great joy.
I am glad to report that today I am no longer that selfish, self-centered
teenager my mother had to correct all the time. These days, I try to live my adult
life like my hero did –a life full of love, generosity, and grace, a life like Dr. Albert
Schweitser. This great man walked on this earth gently, served others
compassionately, and pursued his mission persistently, until the very end. For his
inspirational example, I will be forever grateful.