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...a human being not only can choose but... he must…

“...a human being not only can choose but... he must choose... for in this way God retains His honor while at the same time has a fatherly concern for humankind. Though God has lowered Himself to being that which can be chosen, yet each person must on his part choose. God is not mocked. Therefore…” quote by Soren Kierkegaard
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“...a human being not only can choose but... he must choose... for in this way God retains His honor while at the same time has a fatherly concern for humankind. Though God has lowered Himself to being that which can be chosen, yet each person must on his part choose. God is not mocked. Therefore the matter stands thus: If a person avoids choosing, this is the same as the presumption of choosing the world.”

Soren Kierkegaard

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Human freedom requires active choice; avoiding choice equates to surrendering to the world, undermining divine purpose.

In simple terms: Choosing is essential; not choosing is like giving up.

Key Takeaway

Embrace responsibility and make deliberate choices.

Themes

freedom responsibility faith

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal decisions
  • career paths
  • spiritual commitments

Key Concepts

existentialism ethical agency

Questions to Reflect On

  • What choices are you deferring?
  • How does faith influence your decisions?
A Different Perspective

Choice can cause anxiety and paralysis.

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