What is Kierkegaard's philosophy in a nutshell?
by 
MeMySelfAnEye
ANSWERS: 3
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The search for grand, universal truth (ala Hegel) should be abandoned. What we can really discuss meaningfully is concrete truth, which is better anyway. We find these sorts of concrete "truths": death, despair, uncertainty, the absurd, terrifying freedom, etc. These truths are so frightening that we seek comfort is a variety of inauthentic harbors. We seek safety in numbers by denying our individuality and our ultimate responsibility for ourselves. The alternative is to embrace the absurd, which is horrifying. It can done only through a leap, like a sudden plunge into cold water instead of trying to ease into it. It turns out that refuge is supplied by God, but it is that very God who demands the absurd of you. Only by accepting the absurdity of it all through a leap of faith can one truly act freely. And only through a truly free act can one become an authentic individual. The great mistake that most people make is to think that they should seek happiness and security, but K says we should seek individuality which comes only through risk.
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In a nutshell? Pistachio Nuts
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I liked this answer very much. I'd only add---& it's probably redundant---that when a person takes the leap of faith he/she is never sure of having made the "right" choice but a person can only live with the risk taken and live in hope.
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