Soren Kierkegaard: 'The highest and most beautiful things in life are not to be heard about, nor read about, nor seen but, if one will, are to be lived.'

The highest and most beautiful things in life are not to be heard about, nor read about, nor seen but, if one will, are to be lived.

The quote by Soren Kierkegaard, "The highest and most beautiful things in life are not to be heard about, nor read about, nor seen but, if one will, are to be lived," encapsulates the essence of truly experiencing life. At its core, this quote emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with the world around us rather than passively observing or hearing about it. Kierkegaard believes that true beauty and meaning can only be found through living and experiencing life firsthand.In a straightforward interpretation, this quote encourages individuals to immerse themselves in life rather than relying solely on external sources - such as books, conversations, or visual media - to understand and appreciate its wonders. Kierkegaard suggests that the highest and most beautiful aspects of life cannot be fully captured or understood through second-hand accounts, but rather require active participation and engagement.However, to fully comprehend the depth of this quote, we can consider an unexpected philosophical concept: the notion of existentialism. Existentialism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and personal responsibility. It highlights the significance of subjective experience and choices in shaping our lives.When applying existentialist ideas to Kierkegaard's quote, we can see a parallel between the call to live and the existentialist belief in individual agency. Existentialists argue that life's meaning and purpose are not imposed from external sources but are instead created through our own actions and experiences. In this sense, Kierkegaard's quote resonates with the existentialist notion that the highest and most beautiful aspects of life cannot be dictated by others but must be actively pursued and discovered by the individual.However, it is important to note that Kierkegaard's perspective on living goes beyond existentialism. While existentialism primarily focuses on the individual's quest for meaning and authenticity, Kierkegaard's quote suggests that the highest and most beautiful things in life can only be truly experienced when we are fully present and engaged with the world around us.Kierkegaard urges us to go beyond seeking knowledge or reading about life's wonders. Instead, he prompts us to embrace the richness of existence through direct engagement and personal involvement. By doing so, we open ourselves up to the full spectrum of emotions, experiences, and personal growth that life has to offer.One could argue that Kierkegaard's perspective aligns with a phenomenological understanding of the world. Phenomenology, a philosophical approach developed by Edmund Husserl, focuses on understanding subjective experiences as they are, without imposing preconceived notions or biases. It aims to grasp the essence of phenomena by directly experiencing them and suspending judgment.Drawing from phenomenology, Kierkegaard's quote implies that the highest and most beautiful aspects of life can only be truly known through direct experience and personal involvement. By actively participating in life, we can uncover the essence and true beauty that might go unnoticed if we rely solely on external accounts or mere observations.In conclusion, Soren Kierkegaard's quote offers profound wisdom that encourages us to live life to its fullest potential. It highlights the importance of actively engaging with the world and experiencing it firsthand rather than relying on second-hand information. By embracing this philosophy, we not only align ourselves with existentialist and phenomenological principles but also open ourselves up to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the highest and most beautiful things life has to offer. So, let us heed Kierkegaard's call and embrace a life that is lived, fully and passionately.