Faith is the highest passion in a human being. Many in every generation may not come that far, but none comes further.
Soren KierkegaardRead
If I am capable of grasping God objectively, I do not believe, but precisely because I cannot do this I must believe. If I wish to preserve myself in faith I must constantly be intent upon holding fast the objective uncertainty so as to remain out upon the deep, over seventy thousand fathoms of water, still preserving my faith.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the nature of faith and belief, suggesting that true faith involves embracing uncertainty rather than achieving absolute understanding.
Soren Kierkegaard's quote delves into the complexities of faith, arguing that if one could fully grasp God's essence intellectually, then belief would be unnecessary. Instead, it is the recognition of the limitations of human understanding that compels one to believe, reinforcing the idea that true faith often exists amid doubt and uncertainty. This faith requires a conscious effort to maintain belief in the face of profound existential challenges, likening it to navigating deep, uncertain waters while holding onto one's faith.
Themes
FaithUncertaintyBeliefPhilosophyExistentialism
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on belief, this quote can highlight the struggle between faith and reason.
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.
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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.
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
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