Sorensen On Love: Tepid Praise

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 23, 2024

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Søren Kierkegaard on Love: Tepid Praise? A Re-evaluation

Søren Kierkegaard, the towering figure of 19th-century existentialism, didn't exactly pen love sonnets. His approach to love, as detailed in works like Works of Love and explored implicitly throughout his writings, is often characterized as austere, even tepid. But is this a fair assessment? A closer look reveals a more nuanced, albeit challenging, perspective on the complexities of human connection.

The Paradox of Love in Kierkegaard's Philosophy

Kierkegaard’s critique isn't of love itself, but rather of the trivialization of love. He challenges the romantic idealizations prevalent in his time (and arguably still today), arguing against superficial expressions and fleeting infatuations. For Kierkegaard, genuine love is a commitment, a demanding and often painful journey of self-discovery and ethical responsibility.

This commitment isn't easily achieved. He viewed love not as a passive emotion, but as an active choice, a conscious decision to prioritize the well-being of another above one's own desires. This selflessness, this radical choice, is what sets authentic love apart from its paler imitations. This is where the perception of "tepid praise" arises. He offers no romantic glorification; instead, he lays bare the difficult, often humbling, work involved in sustaining genuine love.

Beyond Romantic Idealism: The Ethical Dimension of Love

Kierkegaard's emphasis on the ethical dimension distinguishes his philosophy of love. He argued that love isn't simply a feeling, but a practice, a way of being in the world. This practice demands responsibility, empathy, and a willingness to confront one's own limitations and self-deceptions. He stresses the importance of knowing the beloved, not just superficially, but deeply and honestly, recognizing their individuality and inherent worth.

This process inevitably involves struggle. The "tepid praise" perception stems from his unflinching honesty about the challenges: the conflicts, misunderstandings, and sacrifices required to maintain a loving relationship. He doesn't shy away from the potential for disappointment or betrayal, acknowledging the inherent fragility of human connection. This realism, however, isn't pessimism; it's a call for authenticity and profound engagement.

The Knight of Faith and the Leap of Love

Kierkegaard's concept of the "Knight of Faith" offers a powerful metaphor for this commitment to love. The Knight of Faith takes a leap of faith, trusting in the possibility of love even amidst uncertainty and potential suffering. This isn't blind faith, but a faith born of deep engagement with the ethical demands of love. It's a conscious decision to risk everything for another, a radical choice that transcends the limitations of purely emotional responses.

This "leap" is where the intensity of Kierkegaard's view on love becomes apparent. It's not tepid in its demand for commitment, but rather, it challenges the very foundation of how we conceive of love in a world saturated with shallow expressions of affection.

Reinterpreting Kierkegaard's "Tepid Praise"

The seemingly "tepid" nature of Kierkegaard's writings on love is, ultimately, a testament to his profound respect for the complexity of human relationships. It's a rejection of superficial romance in favor of a deeply ethical and demanding vision of love. His work is not a celebration of easy emotions but a rigorous exploration of what it truly means to love and be loved in a world that often trivializes this fundamental human experience. It is a call for authenticity, for a love that is both challenging and deeply rewarding. It is far from tepid; it's a demanding and ultimately transformative vision.