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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Fear and Trembling summary
Soren Kierkegaard
Brief summary
Fear and Trembling by Soren Kierkegaard is a thought-provoking philosophical book that delves into the concept of faith and the ethical implications of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son. It challenges conventional moral norms and invites readers to question their own beliefs.
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Fear and Trembling
Summary of key ideas
A Leap of Faith into the Absurd
In Fear and Trembling, Soren Kierkegaard delves into the story of Abraham, asked by God to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac. Kierkegaard uses this scriptural episode to explore the tension between ethics, obedience to God, and the leap of faith which takes us into the realm of the absurd. Abraham's faith that his son would be returned to him, despite clear indication to the contrary, becomes a crucial examination point for Kierkegaard.
Kierkegaard posits that faith is above reason and ethics—transcending human understanding. This is a significant break from the philosophical tradition that considered ethics the highest form of human existence. With his "teleological suspension of the ethical," Kierkegaard proposes that, in certain situations, belief and trust in a higher power may take precedence over moral codes.
The Concept of a "Knight of Faith"
Fear and Trembling introduces us to the concept of a 'Knight of Faith.' Different from aesthetic and ethical figures populating centuries of philosophical discourse, this knight embodies faith taken to its fullest extent. As Kierkegaard explains, the knight of faith gives up everything, steps into the unknown, yet believes all will return to him, by virtue of the absurd. Abraham epitomizes this ideal as he resolves to kill Isaac, only because he has faith in God's promise—the same promise that seems impossible under the circumstances.
Throughout Fear and Trembling, Kierkegaard meditates on faith, using Abraham's story as a backdrop. He concludes that faith is not a mere belief or moral virtue. Instead, it requires a personal relationship with the divine, a willingness to submit, and the courage to embrace the absurd. It is a paradoxical state that requires simultaneous resignation and belief.
Exploring the Dialectic of Faith
The author further explores this paradoxical nature of faith, describing it as a dialectic. He presents it as a constant struggle within oneself—the dialectic of faith. In his perspective, to have faith means constantly wrestling with doubt and despair, but persistently choosing faith. The personal, subjective experience of this struggle is central to his understanding of faith.
Kierkegaard critiques philosophers and theologians who try to rationalize faith within a logical framework. He negates the idea that faith can be objectively explained. Instead, he insists that it is a deeply personal, subjective experience. It is the courage to hold onto hope and belief in the face of utter despair—a phenomenon Kierkegaard describes as 'the passion of the infinite.'
Journey Towards Religious Existentialism
The journey through Fear and Trembling invites us into the realm of religious existentialism. Kierkegaard posits that faith, the central part of our existence, is not a quest for objective truth, but a subjective response to life's absurdities. It requires a leap—beyond reason, beyond ethics, into the absurd.
In conclusion, Fear and Trembling is an intense exploration of faith's profundity. Kierkegaard asserts that faith entails a conscious commitment to the paradoxical, anxiety-riddled uncertainty and the constant hope in the face of the incomprehensible. The book serves as a potent call to embrace faith—not as a superficial layer of existence but as the very core of our being.
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What is Fear and Trembling about?
'Fear and Trembling' by Soren Kierkegaard delves into the concept of faith and the difficulties encountered in living a life of faith. Using the story of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac, Kierkegaard explores the paradoxes and dilemmas that arise when faith is put to the test. The book offers profound insights into the nature of religion and the individual's relationship with God.
Who should read Fear and Trembling?
- Those seeking a deeper understanding of faith and the nature of religious belief
- Philosophy enthusiasts interested in exploring existential dilemmas and moral paradoxes
- Readers looking for thought-provoking insights into the complexities of human existence and the pursuit of truth
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