Why Kierkegaard’s Philosophy is Your Secret Weapon for Navigating Life’s Big Questions

Hey future philosophers! If you’re reading this, you’re probably knee-deep in A-levels, pondering university choices, and maybe even stressing about what comes next. Sound familiar? Let’s talk about how Søren Kierkegaard (a 19th-century Danish thinker) might just become your new guide for tackling life’s chaos with purpose. Spoiler: His ideas are way more relatable than you’d think. 

1. ‘Becoming You’ Isn’t Automatic – It’s an Adventure

Kierkegaard’s big idea? You aren’t born a ‘self, you become one through choices. Think of it like crafting your personal playlist: you can’t just hit shuffle on society’s expectations. Choosing your uni course, hobbies, or even your values? That’s you creating your identity. Scary? Sure. But Kierkegaard would high-five you for it: ‘The hardest task? Becoming you.’ 

2. Stop Overthinking—Just Jump In!

Ever read 10 reviews before watching a show? Kierkegaard warns: Life isn’t a Netflix synopsis. He uses a killer analogy: You can’t learn to swim by reading about it. You gotta dive in. Applying to philosophy? Don’t just obsess over grades or job prospects – ask, ‘Does this feel right?’ Your gut matters more than any ‘objective’ checklist. 

3. Faith ≠ Religion (But It Is About Trusting Yourself)

Kierkegaard’s famous ‘leap of faith’ isn’t just for saints. It’s about committing to choices without guarantees. Choosing a degree in philosophy over, say, law? That’s your leap. It’s not irrational – it’s courageous.  As Kierkegaard says, true passion lies in ‘subjective commitment,’ not cold, hard logic. 

4. Anxiety is Your Superpower 

Stressed about uni offers? Future uncertainty? Kierkegaard gets it. He calls anxiety ‘the dizziness of freedom.’ But here’s the twist: That pit in your stomach? It’s proof you’re alive, not just coasting. Every time you panic about ‘getting it wrong,’ remember: Growth happens outside comfort zones

5. Ditch the Crowd—Be Weirdly You

Instagram making you feel like you’re ‘behind’? Kierkegaard roasts conformity: ‘The crowd is untruth.’ Your life isn’t a TikTok trend. Philosophy isn’t about memorizing dead guys’ quotes, it’s about asking, ‘What do I think?’ Whether it’s defending a controversial essay point or picking a niche uni course, own your weird. 

6. Death? Think of It as a Motivational Coach

Morbid? Maybe. But Kierkegaard says confronting mortality isn’t about gloom, it’s about clarity. Imagine asking, ‘If I died tomorrow, would I regret playing it safe?’ Harsh, but effective. Choosing a path that matters to you (not just your parents or peers) is what Kierkegaard calls ‘authenticity.’ 

Why This Matters for Your Future

Studying philosophy isn’t just about dusty books. it’s training to navigate life’s messiness. Kierkegaard teaches you to embrace uncertainty, make bold choices, and build a life that’s uniquely yours. And guess what? Uni is the perfect lab for this. Whether you’re debating existentialism or just trying to adult, his ideas turn confusion into curiosity. 

So, ready to leap? Kierkegaard’s waiting, and trust me, philosophy departments love students who ask, ‘But why?’