Soren Kierkegaard - Philosophy and Success
Soren Kierkegaard (1813-55)
Danish philosopher (pictured right) and founder of existentialism that emphasizes
- an individual’s unique existence and
- responsibility to lead the best possible life (see below).
This was adopted by other philosophers like
What did Kierkegaard say about success?
1. Existentialism
To make the right choices and decisions, you must be aware of, and learn from, your unique
existence.
There are three parts to this existence:
a) aesthetic
(instant satisfaction of desires and pleasure).
b) ethical
(duty and responsibility).
c) religious
(faith in God which is the only way to personal salvation and fulfilment – see point
2).
What’s important is to find something worthwhile you can live and die for.
2. Passion and faith
Passion and faith are just as important as reason and intellect.
Authentic beliefs come from:
- a “leap of faith” that goes beyond intellectual understanding, reasoned argument and
experience.
This leap of faith is how Kierkegaard justified his devout belief in God (although he
often attacked the Christian Church for getting in the way of a person’s relationship with God).
Truth is subjective because it is open to each person’s personal
interpretation.
3. Live an authentic life
Life’s main purpose is “selfhood” i.e. find your true self and live by it.
This means:
- searching for your ideals, beliefs and a meaning to life (through reflection).
- putting them into action.
But some people can’t do this, because they are:
- alienated from the rest of society.
- lack self-esteem and passionate moral and religious
conviction (see point 2).
4. Overcome life’s problems
You become anxious, when you are free to choose between (sometimes terrifying) possibilities.
If you make the right moral choices, this anxiety will lead to the maximization of your
potential.
But you will suffer the despair of missing life’s possible opportunities, if you:
- don’t understand yourself,
- fail to live an authentic life (see point 3).
You must learn from the past but never dwell on it and always move on.
This is what Kierkegaard meant by his famous phrase:
“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards”.
Key quotes on learning and
wisdom
The thing is to find a truth which is true for me, to find the idea for which I can live and die
Subjectivity is truth.
A crowd... in its very concept is the untruth by reason of the fact that it renders the individual completely
impenitent and irresponsible, or at least weakens his sense of responsibility.
Everything must be doubted.
Key quote on
change
Face the facts of being what you are, for that is what changes what you are.
Key quote on
happiness
Be that self which one truly is.
Key quote on stress and
pain
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
Key quote on influencing
people
The tyrant dies and his rule is over; the martyr dies and his rule begins.
Key quote on love and
ethics
Above all do not forget your duty to love yourself
Key quote on
creativity
You cannot get the truth by capturing it, only by its capturing you.
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