From The Journals Of Soren Kierkegaard August 1, 1835, What
Fromthe Journals Of Soren Kierkegaard August 1 1835what I Really Lac
From the Journals of Soren Kierkegaard, August 1, 1835: What I really lack is to be clear in my mind what I am to do, not what I am to know, except in so far as a certain understanding must precede every action. The thing is to understand myself, to see what God really wishes me to do; the thing is to find a truth which is true for me, to find the idea for which I can live and die.
What would be the use of discovering so-called objective truth, of working through all the systems of philosophy and of being able, if required, to review them all and show up the inconsistencies within each system? What good would it do me to be able to develop a theory of the state and combine all the details into a single whole, and so construct a world in which I did not live, but only held up to the view of others? What good would it do me to be able to explain the meaning of Christianity if it had no deeper significance for me and my life? What good would it do me if truth stood before me, cold and naked, not caring whether I recognized her or not, and producing in me a shudder of fear rather than a trusting devotion?
I certainly do not deny that I still recognize an imperative of understanding and that through it one can work upon men, but it must be taken up into my life, and that is what I now recognize as the most important thing. That is what my soul longs after, as the African desert thirsts for water.
Paper For Above instruction
Gefilde of existential authenticity and inward truth, Soren Kierkegaard’s reflections from August 1, 1835, emphasize the profound importance of personal understanding and authentic faith over objective philosophical or theological knowledge. His journal entry reveals a deep yearning to attain clarity regarding one’s purpose and divine calling, asserting that such clarity surpasses the mere accumulation of facts or adherence to systemic doctrines. For Kierkegaard, truth is fundamentally personal and internal, resonating more deeply when it is woven into one’s lived experience and authentic decisions.
Kierkegaard criticizes the limitations of objective truth—truth that is outwardly cold, detached, and disconnected from personal significance. He questions the value of philosophical systems, political theories, or theological doctrines if they do not influence the individual’s inner life. For instance, he questions what good it does to develop a comprehensive theory of the state or to explain Christianity's meaning if these truths lack personal relevance and fail to inspire genuine commitment or transformational faith.
This perspective underscores his existential belief that truth is more than mere propositional knowledge; it must be inwardly embraced and lived out. Knowledge devoid of personal engagement leads to superficiality and distant admiration rather than heartfelt devotion. Kierkegaard’s emphasis on inward truth echoes his broader existential concern with authentic selfhood and genuine faith, which require a direct and personal relationship with God.
He highlights the importance of understanding oneself as a prerequisite to meaningful action. For Kierkegaard, an understanding of what God truly desires from an individual is essential. This aligns with his notion of “subjective truth,” where truth is not simply external facts but a deeply personal realization that shapes one’s existence. The recognition that understanding must be embodied and lived rather than merely theorized is central to his existentialist philosophy, emphasizing that true knowledge informs and transforms life from within.
Kierkegaard also reflects on the imperative of integrating understanding into life, suggesting that knowledge alone, without internalization, is superficial. The longing of the soul for authentic truth is compared to a desert thirst for water—an analogy vividly capturing the existential hunger for meaning, purpose, and divine communion. It is this inward, personal truth—rather than external demonstrations—that provides the foundation for genuine faith and decisive action.
This inward focus on truth and understanding is particularly relevant in contemporary contexts, where the proliferation of information often leads to superficial knowledge disconnected from personal meaning. Kierkegaard’s insight reminds us that authentic understanding—especially of spiritual or moral truths—is a transformative process, requiring inward reflection, personal commitment, and authentic living. It challenges us to seek not just knowledge, but a truth that we can live and die for, ensuring that our beliefs are rooted deeply within the core of our being.
In conclusion, Kierkegaard's journal entry advocates for a focus on inward, existential truth over superficial intellectual knowledge. He underscores the necessity of understanding oneself and aligning one’s actions with divine will, emphasizing that true knowledge must be lived personally. His reflections continue to inspire those seeking authentic faith and meaningful existence in a complex world dominated by superficial information and detached systems of thought.
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