Albert Schweitzer fondly remembers his years in Strasbourg

On November 20, 1950, from Lambaréné (present-day Gabon), Albert Schweitzer wrote this letter to the director of the École Normale de Strasbourg, on the back of a photograph representing a view of the hospital in Lambaréné, which he annotated: "The roofs of buildings for the hospitalization of natives - in the palm trees of the nests of weaver birds".

He speaks with emotion of the years he spent in Strasbourg between 1905 and 1913, where he regularly attended the teacher training college and knew some of the faculty. Having settled in Lambaréné in 1913, where he founded a hospital with his wife, Hélène Bresslau, he reflects on the twelve years he has just spent there and reaffirms his humanitarian commitment. In a modest postscript, he thanks his correspondent for quoting a verse from the Song of Songs, which he would never have thought applicable to himself. This letter, blending personal recollections and an account of his work in Gabon, illustrates Schweitzer's attachment to Strasbourg and to the work that made him one of the great humanist figures of the 20th century.

"To the Director of the Strasbourg Teacher Training College, Mr. CS 65 Avenue de la Forêt Noire, November 20, 1950"

Dear Sir, Thank you for your kind words of congratulations. In the good old days, I'm talking about 1905-1913, I often came to the Teacher Training College. I often had the students as auditors at St. Nicholas. I knew many of the teaching staff. Your note brings back all those memories. Now, especially since the 12 years I have lived continuously in Lambaréné (1937-48), I live somewhat apart from the world, but I take part in everything that happens and try to help create the spirit that will help it find its way upward… Yours sincerely, Albert Schweitzer

PS You know how to quote like a theologian; thank you, I would never have thought that a verse from the Song of Songs could apply to me.".