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Single Idea 15999

[from 'Concluding Unscientific Postscript' by Søren Kierkegaard, in 3. Truth / A. Truth Problems / 3. Value of Truth ]

Full Idea

If God held all truth enclosed in his right hand, and in his left hand the ever-striving drive for truth, even if erring forever, and he were to say Choose! I would humbly fall at his left hand and say Father, give! Pure truth is for infinite beings only.

Gist of Idea

Pure truth is for infinite beings only; I prefer endless striving for truth

Source

Søren Kierkegaard (Concluding Unscientific Postscript [1846], p.106)

Book Reference


A Reaction

A sobering realistic thought of our own limitations; Kierkegaard allows that there is no limit to how far we can strive for truth. Just that truth is comprehended by infinite beings (if any), not by mere mortals. [SY]