The Sickness Unto Death

Søren Kierkegaard

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you're fascinated by the deep questions of existence, selfhood, and faith - or just love a challenging philosophical read - Kierkegaard's "The Sickness Unto Death" might be right up your alley. His exploration of despair and the complexities of the self is both systematic and poetic. Fans of existentialism, or anyone grappling with big questions about identity and meaning, will find a rich well to dip into. Despite being rooted in 19th-century Christian thought, many find his insights into despair and authenticity refreshingly relevant - it's not just for theologians or philosophers!

Who May Not Like This Book:

This book isn't exactly light reading - many readers have found its language dense, concepts confusing, and overall tone heavy. If you prefer novels or philosophical works that are more accessible, or you're not interested in religious or Christian frameworks, this may not be your cup of tea. Also, if you're looking for clear, practical self-help advice rather than deep metaphorical or theological discussions, you might want to look elsewhere.

A challenging yet deeply rewarding philosophical dive into the human soul, best for thoughtful readers ready to wrestle with big existential questions - especially those interested in the intersection of faith, psychology, and identity.

About:

'The Sickness Unto Death' by Søren Kierkegaard delves into the complex themes of despair, faith, and identity. Through deep reflections on the nature of despair and its relationship to human psychology and faith, Kierkegaard challenges readers to confront their own existence and the concept of self. Drawing on spiritual and existential perspectives, the book explores the idea of the self as a conscious synthesis of infinitude and finitude, with a key emphasis on the role of faith in resolving contradictions and achieving self-realization. Kierkegaard uses biblical references, such as the story of Lazarus, to provoke thought and introspection on the human condition.

Kierkegaard's writing style in 'The Sickness Unto Death' is described as profound, complex, and thought-provoking by readers. While some find the book difficult to read and comprehend at first, others appreciate the depth of his insights and the way he challenges traditional beliefs and philosophical concepts. Through a blend of philosophy, spirituality, and existentialism, Kierkegaard presents a unique perspective on sin, redemption, and the evolving nature of the self, making the book a profound exploration of human identity and its relation to faith.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is philosophical and complex, utilizing medical analogies while occasionally appearing disjointed in its flow.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative delves into despair's essence and how it connects to identity and faith, concluding in a manner that raises doubts about belief systems.

Setting:

The setting is abstract and philosophical, emphasizing existential themes rather than a specific physical location.

Pacing:

The pacing demands patience and thought from readers, with sections feeling slower due to complex ideas.

Despair is a sickness of the spirit, of the self, and so can have three forms: being unconscious in despair of having a self (inauthentic despair), not wanting in despair to be oneself, and wanting in...

Genres:

Topics:

the relationship between self and god

dualism

medical metaphor

Notes:

The Sickness Unto Death is often considered challenging, appealing mostly to serious thinkers and philosophers.

Kierkegaard discusses despair as a sickness, akin to a medical diagnosis for the soul.

He views faith as crucial for overcoming despair, suggesting belief in God provides a remedy for existential crises.

The book is structured around biblical references, specifically the story of Lazarus.

Kierkegaard explores the relationship between identity, despair, and faith from a psychological perspective.

He proposes that the self is always in a state of becoming and must reconcile finitude with infinitude to achieve authenticity.

Although he is a Christian philosopher, his insights can resonate with non-religious readers as well.

Readers have noted the book can provoke deep personal reflection and reorganization of self-identity.

Kierkegaard is seen as a precursor to existentialist thought, particularly in his exploration of human existence and suffering.

The complexity of the text can be daunting, but many find its depth rewarding with careful consideration.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers may include discussions of existential despair, mental health issues, and philosophical examinations of death.

From The Publisher:

Walter Lowrie's classic, bestselling translation of S ren Kierkegaard's most important and popular books remains unmatched for its readability and literary quality. Fear and Trembling and The Sickness Unto Death established Kierkegaard as the father of existentialism and have come to define his contribution to philosophy.

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