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Thinker · 1813–1855

Søren Kierkegaard

Father of existentialism. Wrote under pseudonyms because no single voice could hold what he meant. Made anxiety, despair, and faith his subject matter.

Contributions
  • Stages of life — aesthetic, ethical, religious
  • Leap of faith
Words that traveled
"
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
— Søren Kierkegaard
"
Anxiety is the dizziness of freedom.
— Søren Kierkegaard
"
To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself.
— Søren Kierkegaard
"
Above all, do not lose your desire to walk. I have walked myself into my best thoughts.
— Søren Kierkegaard