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Able Quote by Nat Hentoff

“[Søren ] Kierkegaard said it for me a long time ago. He said, 'You can't really think yourself into a faith, into a religion. It's something you have to make a leap into faith.' And I've never been able to do that. I wish I could. Then maybe I could believe in an afterlife.” quote by Nat Hentoff
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“[Søren ] Kierkegaard said it for me a long time ago. He said, 'You can't really think yourself into a faith, into a religion. It's something you have to make a leap into faith.' And I've never been able to do that. I wish I could. Then maybe I could believe in an afterlife.”

Nat Hentoff

About This Quote

Source Interview: The New Yorker, 1970s

Faith cannot be achieved by reasoning alone; it requires a personal leap beyond intellect.

In simple terms: Faith needs a personal jump, not just thought.

Key Takeaway

Embrace uncertainty to explore belief.

Themes

faith existentialism leap of faith

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • religious practice
  • creative writing
  • psychotherapy

Key Concepts

personal growth spirituality philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would a personal leap into faith look like for you?
  • Can doubt coexist with belief?
A Different Perspective

Intellectual arguments may not convince; emotional experience matters.

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