The Sickness Unto Death: A Christian Psychological Exposition for Upbuilding and Awakening

by Søren Kierkegaard
The Sickness Unto Death: A Christian Psychological Exposition for Upbuilding and Awakening cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99–£13.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 5418
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 2
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
profound 4.50

The book is a profound exploration of the human condition, delving into the complexities of despair and the self. It offers a unique perspective on Christian existentialism, though some may find its dense philosophical language challenging.

The Sickness Unto Death is a deeply philosophical work that tackles the nature of despair and the self from a Christian existentialist viewpoint. The author's insights are both profound and thought-provoking, offering a unique lens through which to understand human suffering and the quest for self-awareness. However, the book's dense and complex language may pose a challenge for some readers, requiring a significant investment of time and effort to fully grasp its nuances. Despite this, the book's exploration of the human condition is both enlightening and transformative, making it a valuable read for those interested in existential philosophy and Christian thought.

Quick quotes

    The self is a relation that relates itself to itself

    The formula that describes the state of despair is: in despair not to will to be oneself

    Despair is the sickness unto death.

logos.com · Unknown · 2025-04-18
profound 4.50

The Sickness Unto Death explores Kierkegaard's existentialist view of the self as a dynamic relationship, contrasting it with Cartesian essentialism. The book delves into the concept of despair as a sickness unto death, distinct from physical illness, and posits faith as the means to overcome despair. Kierkegaard's work redefines faith as an interactive dynamic rather than mere acceptance of doctrines.

Kierkegaard's The Sickness Unto Death presents a profound exploration of the self as a dynamic relationship, shifting from a static Cartesian view to an existentialist perspective. The book identifies despair as a unique sickness that differs from physical illness, emphasizing its role in the Christian worldview. Kierkegaard argues that despair arises from the tension between the infinite and finite aspects of the self, leading to a state where one hopes for death but cannot achieve it. Faith, as an interactive dynamic with the divine, is presented as the only solution to this despair. This work not only contributes to Christian theology but also enhances our understanding of human nature by focusing on the process of becoming rather than static being.

Quick quotes

    For Kierkegaard, “the self is not the relation (which relates to itself) but the relation’s relating to itself.

    The first despair is that “which is ignorant of being in despair, or the despairing ignorance of having a self and an eternal self.

    Faith, the interacting with the “power which established it,” is for Kierkegaard the only way the self can overcome despair.

Appears in Lists