In this letter from May 1969, philosopher Ladislav Hejdánek reflects on Albert Schweitzer's concept of "Reverence for Life." He argues that life is not an absolute value, as it is inherently intertwined with evil rather than being purely good. Hejdánek challenges the contemporary focus on the "all-round development" of life's possibilities, suggesting instead that life gains true meaning through self-limitation, service, and voluntary sacrifice. He posits that the hope for Europe and humanity lies in a commitment to projects that eliminate poverty, violence, and hatred. Central to his argument is the belief that protection and care should be directed primarily toward the weak and the oppressed rather than the strong and powerful. Drawing on ethical and biblical themes, he concludes that true value is realized when one is willing to lay down their life for others. Hejdánek calls for a moral orientation focused on serving the "insulted and injured" as a guiding principle for society.
Hejdánek, Ladislav → Hejtmánek Jan (Aktiv pracujících Blanických strojíren)
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◆ correspondence, Czech, origin: 25. 5. 1969
- in: Ladislav Hejdánek, Žít bez průšvihů znamená žít bez pravdy, ed. Jan Hron, Červený Kostelec: Pavel Mervart, 2025, p. 81-82
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