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What is “Reverence for Life”?
“Reverence for Life” is the English translation of Schweitzer’s German phrase Ehrfurcht vor dem Leben, which Schweitzer believed was the universal basis of all true ethics. The word “reverence” in English does not fully capture the sense of profound, overwhelming awe of the German word Ehrfurcht. The capacity for “Reverence for Life” that Schweitzer believed we all carry within us involves the kind of experience that a mother or father -- or in fact any healthy human being -- has in watching a newborn baby emerge from the womb and emit its first cry. It includes not just awe at the miracle of life, but an almost physical yearning to do anything we can to help protect this life and foster its development. While this sense of awe and responsibility comes easily to us in response to those to whom we are naturally attracted, Schweitzer believed that through our intellect and moral conscience we are compelled to recognize that all of the life we find around us has value.
In Schweitzer's own words:
The world given over to ignorance and egotism is like a valley shrouded in darkness. Only one creature can escape and catch a glimpse of the light: the highest creature, man. He is permitted to achieve the knowledge of reverence for life, of shared experience and compassion. And this understanding is the great event in the evolution of life. Through it truth and goodness appear in the world. Light shines above the darkness. The highest form of life has been attained, life sharing the life of others, in which one existence feels the pulse of the whole world and life becomes aware of its all-embracing existence…
…The fundamental fact of human awareness is this: “I am life that wills to live in the midst of life that wills to live.” A thinking man feels compelled to approach all life with the same reverence he has for his own. Thus, all life becomes part of his own experience.
What kind of music should be played? Classical? Modern?
Any music that an individual or group wants to contribute to the global wave of music is welcomed. We hope that all of the world’s diverse musical traditions will be represented and expressed.
What if I/we can’t organize a musical event at the exact date of
April 22?
Any musical events earlier in April 2008 that are dedicated to Reverence for Life will be part of an “Overture” or “Prelude” period; any that are later in April 2008 will be part of a “Postlude.”
Is this just for youth orchestras (or other youth performing music)?
No. Anyone of any age is encouraged to participate. The music can be by youth, for youth, or both.
What ages qualify as “youth”?
Dr. Schweitzer believed that youthfulness was a matter of spirit, not age. There is no age cutoff.
Is this initiative primarily about big global issues?
No. Reverence for Life begins at home. In a spirit of “Think Globally, Act Locally”, we encourage people to use local musical events on April 22 to draw attention to any local needs they are concerned about.
What specific policies about nuclear weapons, the environment, or global poverty and health does this initiative favor?
No specific policies. Participants need only support the twin overarching goals of abolishing weapons of mass destruction and mobilizing tools of mass survival. The individuals and organizations that co-founded this initiative have set aside political, national, religious and other differences to work together to achieve these urgent goals. We welcome creativity from everyone who becomes involved – not just in the April 22 musical events, but also in working to abolish nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, to eradicate severe poverty and related disease, and to protect the environment. Dr. Schweitzer insisted that "the most important thing in education is to make young people think for themselves." We believe that if young people unite, fueled by their shared reverence for all life, solutions will rapidly follow.
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