“Don’t forget to love yourself.”
- May 5, 1813 – November 11, 1855
- Danish
- Philosopher, Theologian, Poet, Father of Existentialism
table of contents
Quote
“Don’t forget to love yourself.”
Explanation
This simple yet profound quote reflects Kierkegaard’s understanding that self-love is not selfishness, but a prerequisite for authentic existence and moral responsibility. To love oneself rightly is to acknowledge one’s worth, embrace one’s individuality, and care for one’s soul. Forgetting to love oneself often leads to despair, self-alienation, or the fruitless attempt to find validation solely from others. True love of neighbor, in Kierkegaard’s ethics, begins with a proper love of self.
Kierkegaard lived in a time when Christian teaching often emphasized self-denial and sacrifice, but he sought to correct a common misunderstanding: that loving oneself and loving God or others are incompatible. He argued that the greatest commandment—“Love your neighbor as yourself”—implicitly requires self-love. Without it, love for others becomes hollow or performative. To love oneself is to take responsibility for one’s life, to seek inward truth, and to live faithfully before God.
In today’s culture, the idea of self-love can swing between narcissism and neglect. Kierkegaard offers a balanced, ethical vision: love yourself not by indulging ego, but by honoring your spiritual dignity and embracing your inner calling. It’s a reminder that caring for your own well-being, truth, and growth is not only healthy—it is the foundation for truly loving others and living meaningfully.
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