Episode #160 - The Creation of Meaning - Kierkegaard - Silence, Obedience and Joy
The Creation of Meaning - Kierkegaard - Silence, Obedience and Joy
Key Takeaways
Contextual Understanding of Philosophical Ideas: The episode begins with a personal anecdote about initially dismissing Kierkegaard due to his religious language. It highlights the importance of understanding philosophical ideas within their historical and cultural contexts, rather than dismissing them based on surface-level interpretations.
Human Existence Beyond the Realm of Concerns: Kierkegaard's discussion on the "realm of human concern" is a central theme. This realm, dominated by abstract concepts like time and comparison, contrasts with a more immediate, existential aspect of human life. The episode emphasizes the need to balance these aspects for a fuller understanding of human existence.
Learning from the Unlikely: The Lily and the Bird: Kierkegaard uses the metaphor of a lily and a bird to illustrate how even the most unlikely sources can teach valuable lessons about human life. This metaphor serves to show how elements outside the human realm of concerns can offer insights into existence.
Recommended Reading
Fear and Trembling by Søren Kierkegaard: This work explores the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac, delving into the themes of faith, ethics, and the absurd.
The Lily of the Field and the Bird of the Air by Søren Kierkegaard: This book reflects on the Gospel of Matthew, emphasizing simplicity and the carefree life, as a key to understanding Christian faith.
"The Sickness Unto Death" by Søren Kierkegaard: This book delves into the concept of despair, which Kierkegaard sees as a symptom of the human condition and a crucial aspect of achieving self-realization and authenticity.
See the full transcript here.
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