Kierkegaard Quote by Thomas Cathcart
““It's only when we dare to experience the full anxiety of knowing that life doesn't go on forever that we can experience transcendence and get in touch with the infinite. To use an analogy from gestalt psychology, Non-Being is the necessary ground for the figure of Being to make itself known to us. It's only when we're willing to let go of all of our illusions and admit that we are lost and helpless and terrified that we will be free of ourselves and our false securities and ready for what Kierkegaard calls "the leap of faith." p. 43””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Book of Life”, p.43, 2015
Facing existential anxiety and letting go of illusion leads to transcendence and a leap of faith.
In simple terms: Embrace anxiety, release illusion, find freedom.
Key Takeaway
Accept uncertainty, trust the unknown.
Themes
existentialism
faith
psychology
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
Type
philosophical
existential
When to use this quote
- therapy
- philosophical study
- creative expression
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
anxiety
non‑being
figure‑ground
leap of faith
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance doubt with belief?
- What does freedom feel like after letting go?
A Different Perspective
The “leap of faith” can be frightening and may lack empirical support.
