“The only thing of importance, when we depart, will be the traces of love we have left behind.” –Albert Schweitzer
It is difficult to describe Albert Schweitzer briefly. The man lived more in both years and actions than most people do. In his 90 years, he was a classically-trained organist who performed across Europe, a Lutheran minister, a PhD theologian, a writer, a medical doctor and a Nobel Peace Prize winner for his humanitarian work.
These accomplishments and Schweitzer’s outspoken humanitarian advocacy made him a natural choice when Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke were organizing the Goethe Bicentennial Convocation in Aspen for the summer of 1949. Like Goethe, Schweitzer was born in southwestern Germany, spent time studying at the University of Strasbourg and was a tireless polymath — someone with extensive knowledge of many topics.
Schweitzer’s participation and speech at the 1949 Goethe Bicentennial Convocation helped to spark what the Paepckes referred to as “the Aspen Idea” — the notion that dedicating time and space to nurturing physical fitness, intellectual curiosity and spiritual exploration could foster open-mindedness and magnanimity. While an ambitious concept, Schweitzer’s global reputation and poetic speech at the event set a tone that influenced the cultural development of the Roaring Fork Valley for decades.
In September 2024, a group of Valley locals resolved to reignite this cross-disciplinary inspiration, beginning with a celebration of Schweitzer’s visit to Aspen close to the 76th anniversary of the moment.
One of the Albert Schweitzer Days organizers, Greg Poschman, explained, “A group of locals wanted to celebrate Schweitzer’s seminal visit to Aspen in 1949, and the culture of empathy, service to others, volunteerism and philanthropy that he inspired.” One goal is to refresh community memory of those ideals and Schweitzer’s work. “We think it’s time to celebrate, remind and educate Valley residents about the aspirations toward a better society that came from the Goethe Bicentennial and Schweitzer’s keynote. Empathy was never a four-letter word!”
The first event will take place the evening of Monday, June 30 at TACAW in Willits. Community members can RSVP for free tickets to see a film on “The Rise of the Street Medicine Movement” and participate in a question-and-answer session with Street Medicine Institute founder Dr. Jim Withers. The following day, Tuesday, July 1, the City of Aspen and Pitkin County will jointly designate as Albert Schweitzer Day on local calendars.
All Aspen events will also be free with RSVP, starting with a 4pm organ concert at Aspen Community Church where Dr. James Welch will perform a selection of works by Johann Bach, one of Schweitzer’s favorite composers. At 5:30pm, local author and journalist Paul Anderson will give a talk at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum on “The Second Coming of Albert Schweitzer,” the book from which his January series with Aspen Journalism was derived.
At 6:30pm, Dr. Jim Withers will offer a keynote about his own journey with humanitarian work. Withers shared a preview of his thoughts with The Sopris Sun in a conversation last week. “Albert Schweitzer is important for our times,” Withers said, “because his life is his argument. He walked in compassion for his fellow humans. He made a distinct effort to work across continents and cultures. His respect for the planet was impressive.”
Withers described how he has felt called to serve as a physician, and that he thinks Schweitzer followed a similar sense of privilege and obligation in medical work. “I love that he made the extra effort to talk about the need for caring for our sisters and brothers, that philosophy of reverence for other people.” Withers described how that service-oriented intent informed his own humanitarian career. “My intention 33 years ago when I started going under bridges was to follow that model, work in settings and with people that were a challenge.
“I’ve begun to realize that there needs to be reflection and retreat in places of peace and intentionality,” Withers said. “Places like the Aspen Institute and other gatherings of people are crucial. There’s a value to retreat into the mountains, literally, and reflecting about the strategic opportunities and lessons learned, how work can transcend. I’m honored to try to represent people, incredibly honored to be in a setting where respect is being given to one of the greatest humanitarians that ever lived.”
The Albert Schweitzer Day Events are presented by Aspen Historical Society, Aspen Community Church, TACAW, Alchemy Charitable Foundation, Greg and Maureen Poschman, John Dougherty, Lachlan Forrow and The Aspen Institute.