Soren Kierkegaard: Nothing to Reproach
on Sunday, December 3, 2017Soren Kierkegaard Money Quote saying young person might go to their grave with only the regret of not having had money, because surely, that would have allowed them to achieve greatness. Soren Kierkegaard said:
“He would die with nothing to reproach himself with, and under the impression that if only he had had the money he might really have lived and might even have achieved something great” — Soren Kierkegaard
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In this quote, Soren Kierkegaard seems to be commenting on the mindset of someone who believes they could have accomplished great things if only they had more financial resources. By stating this person would die feeling they “might really have lived” and “might even have achieved something great” with more money, Kierkegaard suggests they viewed their lack of wealth as the key limitation holding them back.
The interpretation is that Kierkegaard is critiquing the notion that money alone determines success or impact, as this person excuses their unrealized potential and unfulfilled life by blaming insufficient funds rather than also considering their own drive, creativity or responsibility. Kierkegaard’s phrasing implies money is an easy scapegoat used to rationalize not seizing opportunities or striving with the resources already available.
Overall, the quote conveys Kierkegaard’s perspective that while poverty limits options, taking full responsibility for one’s actions and attributing shortcomings only to oneself is important for an examined life. According to Kierkegaard, external factors like wealth should not be used to justify or excuse an unremarkable existence rather than exploring possibilities within one’s existing means.
Birthday: May 5, 1813 – November 11, 1855