Søren Kierkegaard

Life of Søren Kierkegaard

Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) was a Danish philosopher, theologian, poet, and social critic. He is widely considered to be the father of existentialism and is known for his influential works such as Fear and Trembling, The Sickness Unto Death, and Either/Or. Kierkegaard was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, on May 5, His father, Michael Pedersen Kierkegaard, was a wealthy and well-respected businessman who had a profound influence on his son's life and thought.
Kierkegaard was a precocious child and was educated at home by his father until the age of sixteen. He then attended the University of Copenhagen, where he studied philosophy, theology, and literature. He graduated in 1841 with a degree in theology. After graduation, Kierkegaard began writing and publishing works of philosophy and theology. His first major work, Either/Or, was published in 1843 and was an immediate success.
Kierkegaard's works were highly influential in the development of existentialism, a philosophical movement that emphasizes the importance of individual experience and freedom of choice. He argued that life is an individual journey and that each person must make their own choices and take responsibility for their actions. He also argued that faith is essential for a meaningful life and that it is only through faith that one can truly understand the world.
Kierkegaard's works were also highly influential in the development of Christian existentialism, a movement that emphasizes the importance of faith and the individual's relationship with God. He argued that faith is essential for a meaningful life and that it is only through faith that one can truly understand the world. He also argued that the individual must take responsibility for their own actions and choices and that life is an individual journey.
Kierkegaard's works were highly controversial and he was often criticized for his views. He was also criticized for his writing style, which was often seen as overly complex and difficult to understand. Despite this, his works were widely read and had a profound influence on the development of philosophy and theology.
Kierkegaard's life was marked by tragedy. In 1837, his beloved fiancée, Regine Olsen, broke off their engagement. This event had a profound effect on Kierkegaard and he wrote extensively about it in his works. In 1854, his brother Peter died and Kierkegaard was deeply affected by the loss.
Kierkegaard died on November 11, 1855, at the age of He had suffered from a number of illnesses throughout his life, including depression and anxiety. His works continue to be widely read and studied and his influence on philosophy and theology is still felt today.
Kierkegaard's life and works have had a profound influence on the development of philosophy and theology. He argued that life is an individual journey and that each person must make their own choices and take responsibility for their actions. He also argued that faith is essential for a meaningful life and that it is only through faith that one can truly understand the world. His works continue to be widely read and studied and his influence on philosophy and theology is still felt today.

Teachings of Søren Kierkegaard

Life is to be lived, not explained.
Anxiety is the dizziness of freedom.
Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.
The greatest hazard of all, losing one’s self, can occur very quietly in the world, as if it were nothing at all.
The most common form of despair is not being who you are.
The greatest danger in life is that you may take too many precautions.
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.
The greatest hazard of all, losing one’s self, can occur very quietly in the world, as if it were nothing at all.
Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.
The highest and most powerful form of life is to live in the present moment.
The most painful state of being is remembering the future, particularly the one you’ll never have.
The greatest hazard of all, losing one’s self, can occur very quietly in the world, as if it were nothing at all.
The most common form of despair is not being who you are.
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.
The greatest hazard of all, losing one’s self, can occur very quietly in the world, as if it were nothing at all.
Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.
The highest and most powerful form of life is to live in the present moment.
The most painful state of being is remembering the future, particularly the one you’ll never have.