Parables of Kierkegaard

Kierkegaard's thought was a thought of paradox and complication, irony , insight and humor. Like Kafka he could take a well- known myth and remake it as his own .And always he will do this in such a way as to move the reader into a new level of question and involvement in his thought. Kierkegaard challenges questions and delights us. He too may contradict us and our sense of things but most often in such a way as to lead us to rethink our own assumptions and ideas. He is a thinker who helps make us think. And this anthology of extraordinary passages from his work does just that.

Ah, Parables. There are few other ways to set the mind spinning than a good parable. It's similar to a great mystery case, and the satissfaction derived from figuring out what it means more than makes up for the mental effort.That was Johannes Climacus speaking. Some people will find the book enjoyable purely on that level.I like the book because it has the potential to change the way I live. Don't be decieved by the slimness of the volume and the short sections. A sensetive reader could take a year reading this book. Because of the need to enjoy, understand, evaluate, and apply each parable, I can only read a few each night before sleeping. However, don't let that seriousness delay you: Oden has collected some of the pieces that best bring out Soren and his authors' wit and humor. Truly, an indispensable book whether you are just discovering Kierkegaard or are an old friend of his. For beginners, I reccomend reading this with "Kierkegaard for Beginners." Some high-minded people might be shocked that I say that, but I'm not too proud to admit that I find that to be the most compelling introduction to Kierkegaard that I have read. The illustrations are appropriate and also outrageous. This book is similar, but more mystifying, which is why I reccommend the "for beginners" book.

hmm, well i am not too into philosophy. it tends to blow my mind, but in "Parables of Kierkergaard", its only mind blowing factor is that it is so understandable and interesting. i can honestly say "ooh" and "ahhh" and "hmmm?" its a good book, and it will really make you think about life and it's irony.

While I look with horror at the whole Philosophy in 90 minutes series, if you had to do it for SK this is how you could best do it. A wonderful little book for dipping into, full of short witty aphorisms taken from SK's works. Of course everything is out of context, but then SK tended to set these witty little stories in very intimidating tomes. In any case, this book provides a nice place to start and the references allow you to find the parables in the context of the works themselves.