Author and philosopher (1813-1855)
Søren Kierkegaard is viewed by many as the father of Existentialism. In his works, he describes life as he sees it in three spheres: the aesthetic, the ethical and the religious.
In his book Either-Or, the aesthete’s freedom and pleasure are contrasted with the restraint and responsibility of the ethical individual, while in Frygt og Bæven (Fear and Trembling) Kierkegaard introduces the religious aspect. Here, the central feature is mankind’s subjective and fervent relationship with God. After an unhappy love affair, Kierkegaard himself experienced a religious awakening that changed his life.
Another significant impact on Kierkegaard’s life was that the satirical periodical Corsaren (The Corsair) mocked him as an eccentric figure regularly seen wandering in the streets and talking to people – and because his trousers were too short! Deeply hurt by the mockery, he nevertheless wrote: ”Geniuses are like thunder – they go against the wind, frighten people and clear the air”.
It furthermore encouraged him to write more, and with his thoughts and writings Kierkegaard went against the established systems.
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Selected works
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1843
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Enten-Eller (Either-Or)
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1843
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Frygt og Bæven (Fear and Trembling)
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1844
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Begrebet Angst (The Concept of Dread)
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1845
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Stadier paa Livets Vei (Stages on Life’s Way)
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1855
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Øieblikket nr. 1-9 (The Instant I-IX)
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More About Kierekegaard
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