Idk where this book has been the past 6 years of my life. It is an exegesis on the nature of faith which totally reframes my understanding and appreciation of the story of Abraham and Isaac.

The introduction, though lengthy, was critical for me to digest Kierkegaard's prose – though they're comparatively accessible relative to the Hegel which he refutes.

My prior understanding of faith was tether to suffering and sacrifice, but Kierkegaard's explanation of God/the absurd/the impossible makes the story of Abraham and Isaac something aspirational rather than barbaric and allegorically challenging.

Also love that the whole thesis of devoting oneself to a singular effort no matter how nonsensical it is is a very verbose justification of his termination of his engagement with his wife whom he loved so that he could dedicate his life to philosophy. It's the most self-cucked take and it's hilarious that he's transparently talking about this personal decision of his juxtaposed against the most canonical sacrifice ever devised in fact or fiction (I'd even say it usurp's Mark's passion)

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