Kierkegaard
Søren Kierkegaard: A Philosopher of Faith and Existence
Full Name and Common Aliases
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard was born on May 5, 1813, in Copenhagen, Denmark. He is commonly referred to as the father of existentialism.
Birth and Death Dates
May 5, 1813 – November 11, 1855
Nationality and Profession(s)
Danish philosopher, theologian, poet, and critic. Kierkegaard's work spans various disciplines, including philosophy, theology, literature, and psychology.
Early Life and Background
Kierkegaard was born into a wealthy family in Copenhagen. His father, Michael Pedersen Kierkegaard, was a successful merchant who later became a prominent figure in the city's business community. Søren's mother died when he was just six months old, leaving his father to raise him and his four siblings.
Growing up, Kierkegaard was a devout Lutheran. He attended the University of Copenhagen, where he studied theology with the intention of becoming a pastor. However, during his time at university, he became increasingly disillusioned with the dogmatic approach of traditional Christianity. This led to a period of intense spiritual searching and eventual rejection of institutionalized faith.
Major Accomplishments
Kierkegaard's philosophical contributions are multifaceted:
Existentialism: Kierkegaard is considered one of the founders of existentialist thought, which emphasizes individual freedom and choice.
Subjective Truth: He developed the concept of subjective truth, arguing that truth is not an objective reality but rather a personal experience.
Faith and Reason: Kierkegaard's work explores the relationship between faith and reason, highlighting the tension between intellectual inquiry and spiritual conviction.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Kierkegaard's most notable works include:
"Fear and Trembling" (1843): A philosophical exploration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac.
"The Sickness Unto Death" (1849): A theological treatise on the nature of despair and faith.
"Either/Or" (1843): A literary work that explores the tension between aesthetic and ethical existence.
Kierkegaard's writings are characterized by their complexity, nuance, and personal introspection. He often employed pseudonyms to express different aspects of his thought, adding to the richness and diversity of his oeuvre.
Impact and Legacy
Søren Kierkegaard's influence extends far beyond the realm of philosophy. His ideas have shaped:
Existentialism: Thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Martin Heidegger built upon Kierkegaard's existentialist framework.
Theology: Kierkegaard's critiques of institutionalized Christianity paved the way for new approaches to theology, such as liberal Christianity.
Literature: His literary works have inspired generations of writers, including authors like Albert Camus and Gabriel Marcel.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Kierkegaard's quotes are often cited because they:
Capture the Human Experience: His writings convey a deep understanding of human struggles, desires, and fears.
* Challenge Conventional Thinking: Kierkegaard's critiques of societal norms and intellectual complacency continue to resonate with readers today.
Søren Kierkegaard remains a vital figure in modern thought, offering insights into the complexities of existence, faith, and human experience. His legacy continues to inspire philosophical inquiry, theological debate, and literary creativity.
Quotes by Kierkegaard
There is nothing so seductive to a girl as to be loved by a poetic-depressive type. And if she is vain enough to deceive herself into thinking that she loves him faithfully by clinging to him instead of giving him up, then her task will be easy. She will enjoy both the distinction and the good conscience of being faithful, and at the same time the most finely distilled romantic love. God save everyone from such faithfulness!
For like a poisonous breath over the fields, like a mass of locusts over Egypt, so the swarm of excuses is a general plaque, a ruinous infection among men, that eats off the sprouts of the Eternal.
An existing individual is constantly in process of becoming,... and translates all his thinking into terms of process. It is with (him)... as it is with a writer and his style; for he only has a style who never has anything finished, but 'moves the waters of the language' every time he begins, so that the most common expression comes into being for him with the freshness of a new birth.
It is now my intention to draw out from the story of Abraham the dialecticalconsequences inherent in it, expressing them in the form ofproblemata, in order to seewhat a tremendous paradox faith is, a paradox which is capable of transforming amurder into a holy act well-pleasing to God, a paradox which gives Isaac back toAbraham, which no thought can master, because faith begins precisely there wherethinking leaves off.
If this had not been the case with Abraham, then perhaps he might have loved God but notbelieved; for he who loves God without faith reflects upon himself, he who loves God believingly reflects upon God.
If anyone thinks he has faith and yet is indifferent towards this possession, is neither cold nor hot, he can be certain that he does not have faith. If anyone thinks he is Christian and yet is indifferent towards his being a Christian, then he really is not one at all. What would we think of a man who affirmed that he was in love and also that it was a matter of indifference to him?
To relate oneself expectantly to the possibility of the good is to hope. To relate oneself expectantly to the possibility of evil is to fear. By the decision to choose hope one decides infinitely more than it seems, because it is an eternal decision
The thought of death gives the earnest person the right momentum in life and the right goal toward which he directs his momentum
Ничего не хочется... Ехать не хочется — слишком сильное движение: пешком идти не хочется — устанешь; лечь? — придется валяться попусту или снова вставать, а ни того, ни другого не хочется... Словом, ничего не хочется.