Albert Schweitzer, quoted in Animals, Nature and Albert Schweitzer (1982) by Ann Cottrell Free

The fact that in nature one creature may cause pain to another, and even deal with it instinctively in the most cruel way, is a harsh mystery that weighs upon us as long as we live. One who has reached the point where he does not suffer ever again because of this has ceased to be a man.

— Albert Schweitzer on Negative utilitarianism

What It Means

This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "The fact that in nature one creature may cause pain to another, and even deal with it instinctively in the most cruel way, is a harsh mystery that weighs upon us as long as we live. One who has reached the point where he does not suffer ever again because of this has ceased to be a man." in the context of "Albert Schweitzer, quoted in Animals, Nature and Albert Schweitzer (1982) by Ann Cottrell Free" to mean that wisdom is timeless.

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Source: Wikiquote: "Negative utilitarianism" (S) The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
Albert Schweitzer

About Albert Schweitzer

Albert Schweitzer (14 January 1875 – 4 September 1965) was an Alsatian philosopher, philanthropist, physician, theologian, missionary, and musicologist who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952.