Selections from the Writings of Kierkegaard: Exploring Existentialist Themes and Christian Philosophy in Nineteenth-Century Danish Literature

by Søren Kierkegaard, Lee M. Hollander (Translator)

"Selections from the Writings of Kierkegaard" is a 1923 book about the famous philosopher Søren Kierkegaard by the American scholar Lee M. Hollander. Its publication marked a significant turning point in American and English language philosophy, as it introduced English translation excerpts of Kierkegaard's philosophy to America and other English-speaking countries.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Classics

263 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1923

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

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free download available at Project Gutenberg

I made the proofing of this book for Free Literature and it will be published by Project Gutenberg.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

DIAPSALMATA

IN VINO VERITAS (THE BANQUET)

FEAR AND TREMBLING

PREPARATION FOR A CHRISTIAN LIFE

THE PRESENT MOMENT

[benebean · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow, Kierkegaard's actual writing was a lot more understandable and interesting to me than the "highly accessible" book written to introduce non-academic readers to his writings. This book certainly did what it set out to do, namely got me interested in his writings so now I'm going to attempt to read his full works as opposed to just selections.

[Joseph R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soren Kierkegaard was a Danish theologian, philosopher, and pundit in the mid-1800s. He struggled through life with melancholy, often putting up a light-hearted exterior. He also struggled with his Christian faith. His father was a dour and difficult man and not much of a Christian. He did leave much of himself in his son. Higher education gave Soren a taste of the intellectual life and he spent a lot of time, especially later in life, reflecting on and arguing with others about faith. This book excerpts several passages to give a broad overview of his style and content.

Diapslamata (from Either--Or Part I)--Kierkegaard reflects on the nature of humor and sorrow. Poets are so focused on sorrow, as if their work is the product of their sorrow. Fans who want more poetry in a way want more suffering for the poet. Kierkegaard, being melancholic, has the tendency to wallow in melancholy as well but has sought out humorous aspect to help him cope with reality.

The Banquet (From Stages on Life's Road Part I)--Kierkegaard imitates Plato's Symposium by having five male friends get together for a party where they discuss love, specifically love between a man and a woman. Each friend has a unique viewpoint on the issue, from the youngest member who speaks with passion about how comically misadventured lovers are, to John the Seducer who speaks cynically and happily from his abundance of experience. A lot of different ideas are present with no seeming solution though the writing ends when the revelers leave and happen upon an actually happy couple who deal with each other in heartfelt ways.

Fear and Trembling--This classic text takes a deep dive into Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac on Mount Moriah (see Genesis 22). Abraham is the Father in Faith for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, so his ultimate expression of faith in God deserves serious consideration. Kierkegaard looks at the story from Abraham's point of view, trying to understand his mind and heart. What is the core of faith that Abraham expresses in following God's order to kill his only son? The text is fascinating and brings up challenging questions.

Preparation for a Christian Life--"Come hither unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Mt 11:28) is the starting point for this reflection. Kierkegaard emphasizes the shocking choices of Jesus to help the sick, the lame, the outcast, and even the possessed. These aren't people who are going to give Jesus anything in return. The authorities (religious, intellectual, and secular) are jealous and befuddled by His actions. Why identify with the most miserable people? If Jesus is really God, as He claims, you'd think He'd have higher ambitions. Secular and Church historians have tried to fill the gap here. Kierkegaard rejects these interpretations as inauthentic understandings of Jesus, colored by time and consequences of His actions. Kierkegaard gives no clear substitute other than an extremely personal awareness of one's own sinfulness and how we are more like the wretches Jesus helped in His time.

The Present Time--Kierkegaard casts a sarcastic eye on the lackadaisical piety of his contemporary Christians. They behave more like club members who include all and require very little in the way of life commitment to Gospel teachings or ideals. He mocks Baptism and Confirmation as sacraments that are more of an excuse to have a family party than to follow the New Testament. Making the decision to follow in Christ's footsteps is not something that infants or teenagers are qualified to do according to Kierkegaard. It's more of a plan by "ordained ministers" to keep their ministry going and to obligate people in their childhood to vows that they might not take as adults. The text is shockingly cynical.

Kierkegaard is a bit difficult to read. In a way, he is like Nietzsche, his writing very artistic and has a deeper, often buried, meaning. Unlike Nietzsche, Kierkegaard is a theistic existentialist and takes the humble life of Jesus Christ (which should be imitated by Christians) as the highest life. Doing the will of God, not your own will, is what is important. Discerning God's will seems like it was tough for Kierkegaard, and that difficulty comes through in his writings.

Mildly recommended--this is not the easiest read, it requires patience and probably multiple readings. I have another book with Fear and Trembling in it which I will read sooner rather than later, probably in the next year.

[Sara Habein · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am loosely trying a few reading challenges this year again (though they don't entirely dictate what I've been reading), and one of the categories in more than one of them was "A Favorite Writer's Favorite" or something along those lines. And even though I know plenty of writers and read interviews with plenty of others, of course I immediately blanked out on every book any of them had ever suggested (even though I've probably read some of those books!). So I decided to google what influenced Patricia Highsmith, and apparently (though not surprisingly), she liked a lot of existentialists and related writers, including Kierkegaard. You'd think I would've remembered this from reading a biography about her, but no! I have read a little of Kierkegaard in various classes way back when, and I knew he was readable enough, so off to Project Gutenberg I went to see what was available.

And this is... fine. Not the BEST thing you'd want to read sometimes before falling asleep, tbh, but that's on me. The man manages some breathtaking misogyny in one section, which, given that this was written over 100 years ago, makes it loop back around and is almost funny in how assertive it is? WOMAN UNSERIOUS CREATURE. MAN SO SO SERIOUS. etc.

The rest deals with Christian ethics, and he picks it apart in a way that I imagine drove some religious people up the wall, but also bolstered the arguments against organized religion among the atheists (which is perhaps what Highsmith got out of it, since she wasn't religious).

It's sort of ridiculous to give something like this a star rating because even though I wasn't overly into much of it (and the introduction written by someone else is VERY dry), I also see how other writers and thinkers took this and either said, "Yes, and..." or "This is some hot bullshit, and here's why." Existentialists! Your individual mileage often varies! Best of luck!

[Michael McCue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Selections from the writings of Kierkegaard was compiled by Lee Hollander in 1923 and published by the University of Texas Bulletin, July 8, 1923. The editor used a large portion of Fear and Trembling and some bits of Kierkegaard's works. The selections showed Soren Kierkegaard's struggles with the Christian doctrines but it also showed that he took much of the Gospels and the teachings of Jesus very seriously. So seriously that he was troubled by the way his society applied the faith in a way that it meant really very little. How was it he asked that a so-called Christian nations didn't act or look any different than a heathen one. "Instead of an imitation of Christ we get that sacred buffoonery under guidance and command of sworn clergymen", he wrote in the concluding pages of these selections. The Kindle edition I read was created in 2013. It has some flaws. There were places where words were missing or broken by other words. Not too hard to follow but it could have been done better. Perhaps I would have found it hard to follow if I hadn't read much of Kierkegaard's works in school.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read Kierkegaard for a while and this was the free e book I found. Now I want to read him even more. The commentary on Abraham and preparation for a Christian life is incredible. The rest is more mixed.

[CL Chu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars for the excerpt of "Fear and Trembling", one star for "Preparation for a Christian Life", and minus one for the rest.

[Paul H. Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful reading

Helpful reading on a difficult man to understand. This copy or translation is of poor quality, still i was helped by the book

[Vanjr · Rating 3 out of 5]

First exposure to Kiekegaard. He has some interesting opinions

[Michael George · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not finish, very hard to get through. I really just wanted to read "Fear and Trembling," which I think I did (?) and really enjoyed.

[Chrystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kierkegaard's writing style is unlike other philosophers' to whom I have been exposed. His scathing sarcasm and indictment of "Christendom" - he interrupts his own arguments with interjections of disgust - should cut any Christian who reads his work to the quick. The heresies he observed in his day (over 150 yrs ago) are still rampant today. Is the church representing Christendom or Heathendom? Kierkegaard argues a very good case that those who we call "Christians" are actually living lives of heathens, or worse. I will be re-reading "Preparation for a Christian Life" which was exceptionally penetrating in its insight.

[Jacob Hurley · Rating 3 out of 5]

i love you jesus christ