“It is so hard to believe because it is so hard to obey.”
- May 5, 1813 – November 11, 1855
- Danish
- Philosopher, Theologian, Poet, Father of Existentialism
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Quote
“It is so hard to believe because it is so hard to obey.”
Explanation
This quote reveals Kierkegaard’s central theme of faith as action, not mere intellectual assent. He suggests that true belief demands obedience, and it is precisely the difficulty of surrendering one’s will that makes belief so challenging. Belief without obedience is incomplete, and thus, the internal resistance to living according to faith becomes a barrier to even accepting it.
In the 19th-century context, Kierkegaard criticized both rationalist theology and cultural Christianity, where belief was treated as a passive label rather than an active commitment. For him, faith was not abstract but deeply existential, requiring sacrifice, risk, and moral discipline. The harder it is to live out the commands of faith—such as love, humility, or forgiveness—the harder it becomes to truly embrace belief in a personal and transformative way.
Today, this quote speaks to the tension between ideals and practice. People may admire ethical or spiritual principles but find it difficult to incorporate them into daily life. For instance, believing in compassion is easy, but practicing it toward one’s enemy is difficult. Kierkegaard reminds us that genuine belief is tested and revealed by action, not merely by agreement, and that the cost of obedience often determines the depth of faith.
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