WIST

It happened that a fire broke out backstage in a theater. The clown came out to inform the public. They thought it was a jest and applauded. He repeated his warning. They shouted even louder. So I think the world will come to an end amid the general applause from all the wits who believe that it is a joke.

Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) Danish philosopher, theologian
(Attributed)

Most men pursue pleasure with such breathless haste that they hurry past it.

Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) Danish philosopher, theologian
(Attributed)

Prayer does not change God, but changes him who prays.

Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) Danish philosopher, theologian
(Attributed)

If I were to wish for anything, I should not wish for wealth and power, but for the passionate sense of the potential, for the eye which, ever young and ardent, sees the possible. Pleasure disappoints, possibility never. And what wine is so sparkling, what so fragrant, what so intoxicating, as possibility!

Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) Danish philosopher, theologian
Either/Or, vol. 1, “Diapsalmata” (1843

Love is the works of love. Christ’s love was not an inner feeling, a full heart and what-not: it was the work of love which was his life.

Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) Danish philosopher, theologian
Journals

Frightful this is in a sense, but it is true, and every one who has merely some little knowledge of the human heart can verify it: there is nothing to which a man holds so desperately as to his sin.

Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) Danish philosopher, theologian
Three Discourses at the Communion on Fridays