Faith is the highest passion in a human being. Many in every generation may not come that far, but none comes further.
Soren KierkegaardRead
No one may pride himself at being more than an individual, and no one despondently think that he is not an individual.
Interpretation
Everyone is unique and should not overestimate or underestimate their individual value.
This quote by Soren Kierkegaard reflects on the importance of individuality. It emphasizes that while each person should recognize their unique identity and capabilities, they should also avoid the trap of arrogance that may lead them to feel superior to others. Conversely, it warns against despondence or feelings of inferiority, reminding us that everyone has intrinsic value as individuals in society.
In practice
During a motivational speech about self-acceptance and individuality.
Faith is the highest passion in a human being. Many in every generation may not come that far, but none comes further.
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.
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 managerβI have something to say about this. Is there no manager? To whom shall I make my complaint?
A possibility is a hint from God. One must follow it.
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.
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.
The path up is the path down. The way forward is the way back. The universe inside is outside but the universe outside is inside.
Harm no other beings. They are just your brothers and sisters.
If the human intellect functions, it is actually in order to solve the problems which the man's inner destiny sets it.
Government has been a fossil: it should be a plant.
I'm tired of saying, "How wonderful you are!" to fool men who haven't got one-half the sense I've got, and I'm tired of pretending I don't know anything, so men can tell me things and feel important while they're doing it.
It is not that we keep His commandments first and that then He loves but that He loves us and then we keep His commandments. This is that grace which is revealed to the humble but hidden from the proud.
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