Fear and Trembling

This infamous and controversial work has left a lasting mark on modern Protestant theology and existentialist philosophers like Sartre and Camus. Under the pseudonym "Johannes de silentio," Kierkegaard presents his personal view of religion, focusing on the Genesis scene where Abraham prepares to sacrifice his son Isaac at God's command. He sees Abraham's unwavering obedience as the essential leap of faith required for true commitment to religion. Kierkegaard made significant sacrifices to dedicate his life to philosophy and God, and this conviction—that individuals can have exceptional missions—shaped all his subsequent writings. His concept of the "teleological suspension of the ethical" challenged Hegel's universal moral system and greatly influenced both Protestant theology and existentialism. Alastair Hannay's introduction assesses Kierkegaard's philosophy and its conflicts with contemporary views. This edition also features detailed notes that enhance the groundbreaking analysis of religion and a new chronology. For over seventy years, Penguin has been a leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world, offering authoritative texts enriched by introductions and notes from distinguished scholars, alongside modern translations by award-winning translators.