Søren Kierkegaard

5 May 1813 – 11 November 1855

Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) was a Danish philosopher, theologian, and writer, widely regarded as the father of existentialism. Writing under a series of pseudonyms, he produced works such as 'Either/Or' and 'Fear and Trembling' that explored faith, anxiety, despair, and the individual's relationship to God. His final years were spent in a fierce public attack on the Danish state church.

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Life events

Born in Copenhagen, Denmark
5 May 1813

Born the youngest of seven children to Michael Pedersen Kierkegaard, a wealthy and devoutly religious wool merchant.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Enrolled at the University of Copenhagen to study theology
1830

Began theological studies in 1830, though his interests ranged across philosophy and literature.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Became engaged to Regine Olsen
September 1840

Proposed to Regine Olsen in September 1840; the relationship deeply marked his life and writings.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Defended his dissertation 'On the Concept of Irony'
29 September 1841

Completed his master's dissertation on irony with constant reference to Socrates at the University of Copenhagen.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Broke off his engagement to Regine Olsen
October 1841

Ended the engagement in 1841 for reasons he never fully explained, an act that haunted much of his authorship.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Published 'Either/Or'
20 February 1843

His pseudonymous two-volume masterpiece contrasting aesthetic and ethical modes of life appeared in February 1843.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Published 'Fear and Trembling'
16 October 1843

Under the pseudonym Johannes de silentio he examined faith through the story of Abraham and Isaac.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Endured public ridicule in the Corsair affair
1846

After provoking the satirical paper The Corsair, he was subjected to a sustained campaign of caricature and mockery in Copenhagen.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Launched his attack on the Danish state church
December 1854 – September 1855

In his final years he published polemics, including the pamphlet series 'The Moment', denouncing official Christendom.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Copenhagen
11 November 1855

Collapsed in the street in October 1855 and died weeks later in Frederik's Hospital at age 42.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓