The Essential Kierkegaard : Book Review

"The Essential Kierkegaard" is a remarkable compilation of writings by the acclaimed philosopher, Søren Kierkegaard. This captivating book covers a range of genres, including essays, letters, and diary entries, offering readers a comprehensive exploration of Kierkegaard's profound ideas and philosophical insights.

A notable highlight of this collection is Kierkegaard's renowned work, "Fear and Trembling." In this intellectually stimulating book, Kierkegaard delves into the concept of faith and the challenges one encounters on the path to religious belief. Through thought experiments and profound reflections, he meticulously examines the story of Abraham and Isaac, delving into the complexities of human existence and the nature of morality.

Another significant inclusion is Kierkegaard's thought-provoking masterpiece, "The Sickness Unto Death." This profound philosophical treatise delves into the concept of despair and the eternal yearning for meaning in life. Kierkegaard delves deep into the human condition and explores the struggles individuals face in reconciling their personal desires with societal expectations.

"The Essential Kierkegaard" also features a selection of Kierkegaard's shorter pieces, including poignant and introspective journal entries. These writings offer readers a more intimate understanding of Kierkegaard as a person, providing insight into his thoughts, emotions, and personal struggles.

Overall, "The Essential Kierkegaard" is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy and existentialism. It provides a comprehensive overview of Kierkegaard's ideas, showcasing his unique perspective on faith, morality, and the human condition. With its diverse range of writings, this book serves as an excellent introduction to Kierkegaard's work or a valuable resource for those already familiar with his philosophy.

What are readers saying?

The book "The Essential Kierkegaard" by Søren Kierkegaard has garnered a range of reactions from its readers. While many found the book to be enlightening, stimulating, and insightful, a portion struggled with its complexity and convoluted nature.

Several reviewers praised the book for its comprehensive introduction to Kierkegaard's philosophy. They appreciated the inclusion of excerpts from various works, which helped them attain a deeper understanding of his thoughts and ideas. Many readers found Kierkegaard's writing to be profound and timeless, with themes that remain relevant today. They particularly valued his exploration of existentialism, faith, and the human condition, finding his writings thought-provoking.

However, some readers found the book challenging and hard to follow. They felt that Kierkegaard's writing style was unnecessarily complex and long-winded, making it difficult to fully comprehend his concepts. Several reviewers also suggested that the translation may not have accurately conveyed the true essence of Kierkegaard's ideas, leading to confusion and frustration. Despite these challenges, some readers persevered through the difficult passages and still found value in the book, gaining deeper insights.

Moreover, a few reviewers expressed disappointment with the organization of the book. They felt that the selected excerpts lacked coherence and logical arrangement, hindering their understanding of Kierkegaard's philosophy. The inclusion of additional context or explanations could have potentially aided comprehension and made the book more accessible, according to some readers.

In summary, "The Essential Kierkegaard" offers a profound exploration of key philosophical themes. While it proved challenging and difficult for some readers to navigate, others appreciated its thought-provoking nature and insightful content. It is recommended for those interested in delving into Kierkegaard's philosophy, with the caveat that readers should be prepared for the complexity and verbosity of his writing style.

Kierkegaard Existentialism PhilosophicalReading