“During the first period of a man’s life the greatest danger is not to take the risk.”
- May 5, 1813 – November 11, 1855
- Danish
- Philosopher, Theologian, Poet, Father of Existentialism
table of contents
Quote
“During the first period of a man’s life the greatest danger is not to take the risk.”
Explanation
This quote emphasizes Kierkegaard’s belief in the formative power of risk during youth. Early life is a time filled with potential and possibility, and Kierkegaard warns that the greatest danger is not failure, but inaction—the refusal to step out of comfort, to choose boldly, or to commit deeply. Risk, in his philosophy, is not recklessness but an existential necessity for discovering identity and purpose.
For Kierkegaard, especially within his Christian existentialism, to become oneself requires a leap—often into the unknown, the uncertain, or the morally demanding. In his 19th-century setting, he saw many young people opting for safe, socially approved paths without questioning whether these truly reflected their inner calling. The refusal to risk, he believed, led not to safety but to despair, a quiet loss of the self through fear and conformity.
This message is powerfully relevant in modern times, where young adults often face immense pressure to choose secure, predictable routes. Kierkegaard’s quote challenges this mindset, suggesting that growth and authenticity come through courageous decision-making, whether in vocation, relationships, or belief. The real peril is not in falling—it is in never daring to live fully, and thus missing the chance to become who one is meant to be.
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