Soren Kierkegaard

Father of existentialism

Modern influential 172 sayings

Sayings by Soren Kierkegaard

There is nothing more dangerous than a man who has nothing to lose.

N/A (misattribution/paraphrase) — Often attributed, but no direct source in his published works. Reflects his themes.
Shocking Unverifiable

The highest stage a man can reach is that of being a paradox.

1846 — Concluding Unscientific Postscript to Philosophical Fragments
Shocking Unverifiable

The more an individual is alone, the more he is himself.

1849 — The Journals of Søren Kierkegaard, Journal X 2 A 385
Shocking Unverifiable

The greatest good for a human being is to be able to choose himself.

1843 — Either/Or, Part II
Shocking Unverifiable

The true lover is the one who loves the beloved for what he is, not for what he has.

1847 — Works of Love
Shocking Unverifiable

All communication is indirect communication.

1848 — The Point of View of My Work as an Author
Shocking Unverifiable

The highest good is not to be found in the world, but in God.

1846 — Concluding Unscientific Postscript to Philosophical Fragments
Shocking Unverifiable

The absolute paradox is the truth.

1844 — Philosophical Fragments
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Every human being is a spirit.

1849 — The Sickness Unto Death
Shocking Unverifiable

The highest good that any man can attain is to be himself.

1843 — Either/Or, Part II (variant translation)
Shocking Unverifiable

To be oneself is to be a spirit.

1849 — The Sickness Unto Death (variant translation)
Shocking Unverifiable

The greatest thing is to be able to do nothing.

1850 — The Journals of Søren Kierkegaard, Journal X 3 A 339
Shocking Unverifiable