Finite Quote by Soren Kierkegaard
“Man is spirit. But what is spirit? Spirit is the self. But what is the self? The self is a relation which relates itself to itself... Man is a synthesis of the infinite and the finite, of the temporal and the eternal, of possibility and necessity, in short, it is a synthesis. A synthesis is a relation between two factors. So regarded, man is not yet a self.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Either/Or by Søren Kierkegaard, 1843
Human existence is a complex interplay of opposing forces, never fully self-contained, always relating to itself and others.
In simple terms: Man is a mix of opposites, never a complete self.
Recognize and integrate contradictions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- therapy
- creative work
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do opposing forces shape your identity?
- Can you find unity in your contradictions?
The concept may be too abstract for practical use.