Despair Quote by Soren Kierkegaard
“Doubt is thought's despair; despair is personality's doubt. . . . Doubt and despair . . . belong to completely different spheres; different sides of the soul are set in motion. . . . Despair is an expression of the total personality, doubt only of thought.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophical Treatise: Either/Or, 1843
Thought and personality are distinct realms; doubt resides in intellect, while despair reflects the whole self.
In simple terms: Doubt is mental, despair is whole‑self.
Key Takeaway
Recognize which feeling you experience.
Themes
philosophy
psychology
existentialism
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
philosophical
existential
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- therapy sessions
- academic study
Key Concepts
mind‑body dualism
self‑identity
emotional awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- Is your doubt merely intellectual?
- How does despair affect your identity?
A Different Perspective
Despair may mask underlying issues beyond intellectual doubt.
![“An individual in despair despairs over something. . . . In despairing over something, he really despair[s] over himself, and now he wants to get rid of himself. Consequently, to despair over something is still not despair proper. . . . To despair over oneself, in despair to will to be rid of…” quote by Soren Kierkegaard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/807/soren-kierkegaard-578_despair_an-individual-in-despair-despairs-over-s_2865905.jpg)
