Back to Selections from the Writings of Kierkegaard
From "Selections from the Writings of Kierkegaard" by Kierkegaard, Søren
Kierkegaard
Danish philosopher and theologian known for his existentialist and Christian writings.
Core Belief
"Truth is subjective and must be found through personal experience and faith, not through objective systems or societal norms."
Worldview
The world is full of paradoxes and contradictions, and genuine existence requires confronting these with passion and inwardness.
Personality
Introspective, melancholy, witty, and deeply concerned with individual existence and faith. He often masked his inner turmoil with a show of sprightliness and sarcasm.
In Their Own Words
"...what I really need is to arrive at a clear comprehension of what I am to do, not of what I am to grasp with my understanding..."
"...what I am called to do, to see what the Godhead really means that I shall do, to find a truth which is truth for me, to find the idea for which I am willing to live and to die..."
Discussions with Kierkegaard
I've struggled with anxiety my whole life. Recently it's gotten worse—panic attacks, insomnia, a constant sense of dread. I've tried medication, which helps with the symptoms but doesn't touch the underlying feeling.
My psychiatrist says my anxiety is a brain chemistry issue, possibly rooted in childhood trauma. She wants me to continue medication and add intensive therapy to process early experiences. "Once we understand the origins, we can rewire the response," she says.
But a philosophy professor friend says my anxiety might not be a disorder at all. "You're 40, successful by every measure, and you feel like something is missing. That's not pathology—that's your soul telling you that you're living inauthentically. The anxiety is a signal, not a symptom."
When I consider this, something resonates. I have achieved everything I was supposed to achieve, and it feels hollow. But is that insight, or am I just romanticizing my mental illness?
Is my anxiety a problem to be solved or a message to be heard?
— The Anxiety Spiral in Seattle8 messagesDiscuss Selections from the Writings of Kierkegaard0 messages
Ready to talk with Kierkegaard?
Join a discussion or make Kierkegaard your personal mentor for advice anytime.