--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Given his emphasis on human freedom it is…" description: "\"“Given his emphasis on human freedom it is no wonder why some champion Kierkegaard as the father of existentialism, a philosophy that prices choice as ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f61/mark-a-tietjen-72627_existentialism_given-his-emphasis-on-human-freedom-it-i_2540312.jpg" --- # Given his emphasis on human freedom it is no wonder why… ![“Given his emphasis on human freedom it is no wonder why some champion Kierkegaard as the father of existentialism, a philosophy that prices choice as the central feature of human existence and emphasizes the importance of defining oneself. For Kierkegaard, however, freedom and choice are not…” quote by Mark A. Tietjen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f61/mark-a-tietjen-72627_existentialism_given-his-emphasis-on-human-freedom-it-i_2540312.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f61/mark-a-tietjen-72627_existentialism_given-his-emphasis-on-human-freedom-it-i_2540312.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f61/mark-a-tietjen-72627_existentialism_given-his-emphasis-on-human-freedom-it-i_2540312.jpg) > ““Given his emphasis on human freedom it is no wonder why some champion Kierkegaard as the father of existentialism, a philosophy that prices choice as the central feature of human existence and emphasizes the importance of defining oneself. For Kierkegaard, however, freedom and choice are not radical, as they are for some existentialists, and this can be seen in two ways. First, if humans are created beings, then freedom itself is a condition of being unfree with regard to one's very existence. Second, we often use our freedom in ways that lead, oddly enough, to a loss of that very freedom.”” [Mark A. Tietjen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-a-tietjen/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Kierkegaard sees freedom as both a condition of existence and a paradox where exercising it can diminish it, contrasting with more radical existentialist views. **In simple terms:** Freedom is both essential and can limit itself when exercised. Key Takeaway Beware of choices that unintentionally restrict your freedom. Themes philosophy existentialism freedom Mood thoughtful serious Type philosophical analytical When to use this quote - career decisions - personal relationships - ethical dilemmas - self‑definition Key Concepts paradox human condition choice theory Questions to Reflect On - In what ways do your choices expand or contract your freedom? - Can true freedom exist without responsibility? A Different Perspective The analysis may simplify Kierkegaard’s nuanced theology, missing religious dimensions. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Existentialism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/existentialism/) [Existentialism Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/existentialism-philosophy-1427321/) [Father Existentialism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/father-existentialism-1427322/) [Free will](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/free-will/) [Freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freedom/) [Human existence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-existence/) [Human freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-freedom/) [Human-choice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-choice-85441/) [Kierkegaard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kierkegaard/) [Kierkegaard Freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kierkegaard-freedom-1427320/) [Parenting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/parenting/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) ## Related quotes > [“Having placed himself on the level of the world for humans to choose between, God nevertheless stipulates that a choice must be made, human…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-a-tietjen/having-placed-himself-on-the-level-of-the-world-for-humans-to-choose/) [Mark A. 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