Letters and Documents

by Søren Kierkegaard, Henrik Rosenmeier (Translator)

This volume provides the first English translation of all the known correspondence to and from Soren Kierkegaard, including a number of his letters in draft form and papers pertaining to his life and death. These fascinating documents offer new access to the character and lifework of the gifted philosopher, theologian, and psychologist.

Kierkegaard speaks often and openly about his desire to correspond, and the resulting desire to write for a greater audience. He consciously recognizes letter-writing as an opportunity to practice composition. Unlike most correspondence, Kierkegaard's letters expressly "do not require a reply"--he insists on this as a principle, while he clearly and earnestly yearns for a response to his efforts. Among his other principles are purposefulness, directness, and the equality of a letter to a visit with a friend (Kierkegaard preferred the former to the latter). Perhaps more than anything else in print, Kierkegaard's "Letters and Documents" reveal his love affair with the written word.

Genres: Philosophy, Westerns

550 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1979

About the author

Søren Aabye Kierkegaard was a prolific 19th century Danish philosopher and theologian. Kierkegaard strongly criticised both the Hegelianism of his time and what he saw as the empty formalities of the Church of Denmark. Much of his work deals with religious themes such as faith in God, the institution of the Christian Church, Christian ethics and theology, and the emotions and feelings of individuals when faced with life choices. His early work was written under various pseudonyms who present their own distinctive viewpoints in a complex dialogue.

Kierkegaard left the task of discovering the meaning of his works to the reader, because "the task must be made difficult, for only the difficult inspires the noble-hearted". Scholars have interpreted Kierkegaard variously as an existentialist, neo-orthodoxist, postmodernist, humanist, and individualist.

Crossing the boundaries of philosophy, theology, psychology, and literature, he is an influential figure in contemporary thought.

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mind is working with ever greater horsepower. God knows whether the body can bear it. For I know of nothing better with which to compare myself than a steamship with too much horsepower for the structure. On the other hand, I must follow my own genius, I cannot easily bear outside contact, and in this regard I find it agreeable that you let me go my own way. I consider this a courtesy, just as when I am invited to a party with the explicit understanding that I am completely free to come or not. I consider it an expression of friendship to invite me; I consider it a human expression of one's relationship with such a non-human person as I am to phrase the invitation so amusingly, that is, if Aristotle is otherwise correct in thinking man an animal sociale.

Here ends my letter.