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Full Idea
Philosophy is perfectly right in saying that life must be understood backwards. But then it forgets the other side - that it must be lived forwards.
Gist of Idea
Life may be understood backwards, but it has to be lived forwards
Source
Søren Kierkegaard (The Journals of Kierkegaard [1850], JP-III, 635)
Book Ref
Kierkegaard,Søren: 'Journals and Papers Vol. 1', ed/tr. Hong,Howard/Edna [Princeton ], p.450
A Reaction
Some of the best philosophers dwell too much on philosophy, history and the past, while forgetting to actually live and enjoy their lives. [SY]
| 16012 | Philosophy can't be unbiased if it ignores language, as that is no more independent than individuals are [Kierkegaard] |
| 21910 | Our destiny is the highest pitch of world-weariness [Kierkegaard] |
| 16008 | The best way to be a Christian is without 'Christianity' [Kierkegaard] |
| 16003 | If people marry just because they are lonely, that is self-love, not love [Kierkegaard] |
| 16001 | Life may be understood backwards, but it has to be lived forwards [Kierkegaard] |
| 16000 | Fixed ideas should be tackled aggressively [Kierkegaard] |
| 20735 | We need to see that Christianity cannot be understood [Kierkegaard] |