“Purity of heart is to will one thing.”
- May 5, 1813 – November 11, 1855
- Danish
- Philosopher, Theologian, Poet, Father of Existentialism
table of contents
Quote
“Purity of heart is to will one thing.”
Explanation
This quote expresses one of Kierkegaard’s central ethical and spiritual teachings: that true inner purity arises from a focused and undivided will. To “will one thing” means to align all of one’s intentions, desires, and actions toward a single, ultimate good—for Kierkegaard, this was God, or the Good with a capital G. Purity, then, is not about ritual or moral perfection, but about spiritual integrity—living without double-mindedness or inner conflict.
In Kierkegaard’s time, many lived superficially religious lives, outwardly conforming to Christian norms while inwardly pursuing status, comfort, or pleasure. He saw this as a divided heart, one that lacked authenticity. By contrast, the person who wills only one thing—who is utterly committed to a life of truth, faith, or love—lives with clarity and wholeness. Such a person is not easily distracted or corrupted by the world’s contradictions because their heart is rooted in the eternal.
This message remains powerful today in a world of fragmented attention and competing values. People may struggle to reconcile ambition with ethics, comfort with purpose, or public image with private conviction. Kierkegaard’s quote calls us to unify our inner life, to stop chasing many conflicting things and instead pursue what is ultimately meaningful. To will one thing is to live with depth, direction, and devotion, even amid complexity.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
