Faith is the highest passion in a human being. Many in every generation may not come that far, but none comes further.
Soren KierkegaardRead
In the Christianity of Christendom the Cross has become something like the child’s hobby-horse and trumpet.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Kierkegaard critiques the way the significance of the Cross has been trivialized in society.
In this quote, Soren Kierkegaard emphasizes how the profound symbol of the Cross in Christianity has been reduced to a mere decorative or playful element, likening it to a child's hobby-horse or trumpet. This metaphor underscores his concern that true spiritual meaning is often lost amidst superficiality in religious practice, urging a deeper contemplation of what the Cross represents in the context of faith and personal dedication.
Themes
CrossChristianityFaithSuperficialityPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon emphasizing the importance of genuine faith over ritualistic practices.
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
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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A state is not a mere society, having a common place, established for the prevention of mutual crime and for the sake of exchange. Political society exists for the sake of noble actions, and not mere companionship.
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