“How absurd men are! They never use the liberties they have, they demand those they do not have. They have freedom of thought, they demand freedom of speech.”
- May 5, 1813 – November 11, 1855
- Danish
- Philosopher, Theologian, Poet, Father of Existentialism
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Quote
“How absurd men are! They never use the liberties they have, they demand those they do not have. They have freedom of thought, they demand freedom of speech.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Kierkegaard’s sharp critique of human inconsistency and superficiality, especially in the context of liberty and responsibility. He points out that people often neglect the internal freedoms they already possess, such as the ability to think freely and deeply. Instead, they clamor for external rights, like the freedom to speak, without first exercising the more fundamental liberty of reflective, independent thought.
In Kierkegaard’s 19th-century Denmark, freedom of expression was constrained, but intellectual complacency was a greater concern for him. He feared that people relied too heavily on public discourse, institutions, or ideology, while ignoring the personal, inward task of becoming an authentic self. Thus, this quote serves as a challenge: use the freedom you already have—to think critically, to wrestle with truth, to confront yourself—before demanding more from the world.
In modern society, where freedom of speech is widely championed, Kierkegaard’s observation remains relevant. Social media and public platforms allow everyone to speak, yet deep thinking and self-examination are often neglected. His warning is timeless: rights without inner responsibility lead to noise, not wisdom. Before demanding the freedom to speak, one must first use the freedom to think—honestly, courageously, and independently.
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