Faith is the highest passion in a human being. Many in every generation may not come that far, but none comes further.
Soren KierkegaardRead
And when the hourglass has run out, the hourglass of temporality, when the noise of secular life has grown silent and its restless or ineffectual activism has come to an end, when everything around you is still, as it is in eternity, then eternity asks you and every individual in these millions and millions about only one thing: whether you have lived in despair or not.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the importance of living a meaningful life, free from despair, especially in the face of mortality.
Soren Kierkegaard's quote invites contemplation on the nature of existence and the inevitability of death. It emphasizes that when life comes to a quiet end, the ultimate question we face is whether we have embraced life or succumbed to despair. This reflection urges individuals to consider the quality of their existence and the choices they made throughout their lives, suggesting that true fulfillment lies in avoiding despair and living authentically.
Themes
LifeDespairMeaningMortalityExistence
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about personal growth and resilience, one could cite this quote to stress the importance of living fully.
More from Soren Kierkegaard
All quotes →Men think that it is impossible for a human being to love his enemies, for enemies are hardly able to endure the sight of one another. Well, then, shut your eyes--and your enemy looks just like your neighbor.
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How did I get into the world? Why was I not asked about it and why was I not informed of the rules and regulations but just thrust into the ranks as if I had been bought by a peddling shanghaier of human beings? How did I get involved in this big enterprise called actuality? Why should I be involved? Isn't it a matter of choice? And if I am compelled to be involved, where is the manager—I have something to say about this. Is there no manager? To whom shall I make my complaint?
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A possibility is a hint from God. One must follow it.
Soren KierkegaardRead
I am so stupid that I cannot understand philosophy; the antithesis of this is that philosophy is so clever that it cannot comprehend my stupidity. These antitheses are mediated in a higher unity; in our common stupidity.
Soren KierkegaardRead
If I were a physician, and if I were allowed to prescribe just one remedy for all the ills of the modern world, I would prescribe silence. For even if the Word of God were proclaimed in the modern world, how could one hear it with so much noise? Therefore, create silence.
Soren KierkegaardRead
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