Hermann Hagedorn (1882–1964)

Even though I had heard of Albert Schweitzer, I really could not have said what his claim to fame was. I vaguely remember reading he had won the Nobel Peace Prize, though didn't know why. Wow! What an inspiring guy! He lived entire life selflessly to serve others and always pushed himself to become better in some way. For instance, he had earned both a doctorate in philosphy and theology by his early 20's, and quite well known throughout his 20's for preaching and his already being one of the world's leading virtuoso on the organ, but still felt unsatisfied and unfulfilled. He had already determined that by the time he was 30 (for that was the age Jesus was when his ministry began), he would know his destiny. When he was 30, he read an article in a missionary publication about the desparate life some in Africa were forced to live with not a doctor for hundreds of miles, so he decided that he would become a doctor. At that time in history, a person just did not change careers, and people that he was crazy. He gave himself 9 yrs. to become a doctor, and did indeed becoming an expert in tropical medicine. He then went to Gabon, West Africa to begin his practice to the native population living there in the jungle. His determination was remarkable. Without much funding and desparate for an hospital, he ended up turning a chicken coop into one. He not only had to practice medicine and surgery for long hours of the day, but also built himself any structures needed and had to grow all the food he and his wife, staff and patients would need, and was the spiritual teacher on Sundays. His energy for 50 years boundless, getting only 4 hrs. sleep a night for most of that time. I found him to be such an inspiration for his drive and vision, as well as for his love for humanity and reverence for life.… (mehr)