Kierkegaard

[Gallantry]

I've read a little of Kierkegaard's work but not as much as I would like. I'm looking to read some more and would like some input on what some of you thought were his better works. Anything about any of his works is appreciated. What was most moving, what was best written, what was most important etc. Thanks.

[Kurtz]

Glad you are interested in Kierkegaard! He is surely one of the most important thinkers of the 19th century. In my opinion I would start with “Fear and Trembling”, simply for the fact that it essential to understanding his philosophy of the “self” and most importantly it is where he introduces the “Knight of Faith” and the Knight of Infinite Resignation”. His most popular book would probably be “Either/Or”, and it is good, but even though it was written first, I think it is less opaque when it is read second. I look forward to hearing your feedback.

[Jean-Baptiste]

Kierkegaard is wonderful! I envy your embarking on a study of his work, Gallantry. I definitely agree with Kurtz, that Fear and Trembling is the place to start. As a bit of cautionary advise, try to be aware of Kierkegaard's subtle implications. He does not over explain his concepts like many philosophers prefer to do. He seems to prefer to present to the reader his concept in (nearly) story form, and allow the reader to glean whatever meaning he or she can. Therefore, main points can easily be glossed over and missed. Conversely, he does not seem to go out of his way to shroud any meaning from his readers. Also, some of his pieces can be quite harrowing to one caught off guard, such as Diary of a Seducer, which is quite a disgusting tale of deception when compared with say Purity of Heart is to Will One Thing. In addition, try not to put too much stock in the common idea that Kierkegaard was a Theologian; try instead to remember that he was "The Father of Existentialism." This point alone can focus your study quite nicely, in light of the fact that such worthies as Sartre and Camus would later carry his torch, in a somewhat different direction. Anyway, nowhere in Kierkegaards writings have I found a trace of echatological speculation. His main ideas are centered around the union between the mundane and the eternal, but he doesn't seem to step beyond actual life. Oh, and another suggested piece for reading early is Diapsalmata ad se ipsum. That may explain several things about Kierkegaard's personal mode of life.
Above all, have fun; Kierkegaard can be a real pleasure to read.


Edit: Gallantry, I'm sorry if this came off as condescending; I got excited about Kierkegaard, and I may not have answered your actual question properly.

[Gallantry]

I've returned to find two valuable replies. It seems that Fear and Trembling it is. Thanks for the other pieces of information, I will take them all into consideration.

[subterranean]

Hi Gall, I just want to add that perhaps you may also want to check Hegel and Hegelianism as well, so that you'd have better understanding on Kierkegaard. It's because Kierkegaard is well known as the incisive crictic of Hegel.

[Jean-Baptiste]

"Kierkegaard is well known as the incisive crictic of Hegel."

That's right.
"Herr Professor" :lol:

[Kurtz]

An understanding of Hegelian philosophy is very important when reading certain parts of "Fear and Trembling". It is especially imporant when Kierkegaard deals with lower immediecy, mediation and higher immediecy. You will notice quotes like "Faith has never existed, simply because it has always existed", which I must say is weird in the least, but even more so when the background is messy and the idea of lower immediecy is unclear. Another important small text to read along with "Fear and Trembling" is Kierkegaard's "Sickness Unto Death". The latter is essential when reading "Fear and Trembling" and fully understanding Kierkegaard's view of the self. If you need a link to the work I can post a .pdf file.

[Mind_Ape]

Kierkegaard is probably the most literary philosopher out there, and to read him is pure pleasure. I've gone through Fear and Trembling, the Sickness Unto Death, Repetition and the Difference Between a Genius and an Apostle. Each one was a profound and humorous journey, and even if you aren't at all religious he is still very much worth reading.

[Gallantry]

my net has been down so I haven't gotten to check this as much but I just bought Fear and Trembling today along with Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment. Thanks for the input people.