Fear and Trembling

By Søren Kierkegaard

Categories: Politics & Social Sciences, Religion & Spirituality

Fear and Trembling is Søren Kierkegaard's 1843 meditation on faith, published under the pseudonym Johannes de Silentio and translated here by Alastair Hannay. Kierkegaard returns again and again to the biblical story of Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac at God's command. He asks whether faith can ever justify setting aside ordinary ethics, and argues that true faith is a paradox that cannot be explained by reason. The book is a foundational work of existentialist thought.

Recommended by 1 person

• David Heinemeier Hansson: “But it was a fascinating read none the less, and Kierkegaard's language and metaphors and incredible depth is inspiring.”