In an age dominated by data, reason, and measurable certainty, it’s easy to feel lost when faced with the unknown. We live in a world that loves concrete answers—where the value of something often depends on how well it can be measured, predicted, or proven. Yet, even in this modern age of certainty, so many of us find ourselves wrestling with deep questions that don’t seem to have clear answers: What is the purpose of my life? What should I believe in? How can I find meaning amidst the chaos of existence?
Søren Kierkegaard, the Danish philosopher often called the “father of existentialism,” spent much of his life exploring these very questions. One of his most enduring concepts is the “leap of faith”—an idea that resonates powerfully, even in today’s sceptical and uncertain world. Kierkegaard’s writings, including his book The Sickness Unto Death, offer a profound perspective on how to navigate life’s uncertainties with courage. So why does the “leap of faith” still hold such relevance for us today, and how can it help us grapple with doubt, anxiety, and the unpredictability of our lives?
The Leap of Faith: What Does It Mean?
To understand Kierkegaard’s concept of the “leap of faith,” we first need to understand the context in which he developed it. Kierkegaard was deeply concerned with the nature of existence and what it means to live authentically. He saw that many people were simply going through the motions—living out roles that society had handed to them without ever truly engaging with their deeper selves or their personal beliefs. To him, this amounted to what he called “despair”—a state of being disconnected from our true selves and from any genuine sense of purpose.
In his book The Sickness Unto Death, Kierkegaard describes despair as an illness of the spirit. It’s a feeling of profound disconnect—where we are not able to become the person we truly are meant to be. This despair can come from living in a way that is purely dictated by external pressures or from not embracing the deeper aspects of who we are. And the antidote? According to Kierkegaard, it lies in taking a “leap of faith.”
The “leap of faith” refers to a conscious decision to believe in something greater than oneself, even in the absence of proof. It is not a blind leap into irrationality; rather, it is a deliberate and courageous choice to embrace uncertainty and trust that there is more to existence than what can be seen or touched. For Kierkegaard, this leap is essential for living authentically—it is a way of affirming life in the face of all its ambiguities, uncertainties, and paradoxes.
Why Does the Leap of Faith Matter Today?
In today’s world, the idea of a “leap of faith” may seem at odds with the value we place on certainty. We are conditioned to seek evidence, proof, and guarantees before making decisions, and for many aspects of our lives, this is essential. But when it comes to the big questions—the ones about purpose, meaning, and the direction of our lives—there are no guarantees or definitive answers. And this is where Kierkegaard’s leap of faith becomes crucial.
Many of us find ourselves grappling with doubt and uncertainty on a daily basis. Whether it’s uncertainty about the future, doubts about our abilities, or existential questions about the meaning of our lives, we crave something solid to hold on to. But Kierkegaard’s message is that, sometimes, we simply have to move forward without the security of certainty. We have to take that leap, even if we can’t see what lies ahead.
This is especially true in moments when we face choices that could change the course of our lives—whether it’s pursuing a new career, making a major life change, or even deciding what we believe in. In these moments, the leap of faith is not just about belief in a higher power; it’s about believing in ourselves and in the value of the journey itself. It’s about trusting that there is meaning, even if we cannot fully articulate it.
Faith as a Response to Existential Despair
Kierkegaard’s leap of faith is also a response to the existential despair he described in The Sickness Unto Death. The despair he speaks of comes from the inability to find meaning in life, a disconnection from one’s true self, and a refusal to embrace the eternal aspects of one’s existence. In today’s culture, where many people feel an undercurrent of emptiness despite material success, this kind of despair is more common than we might think.
Social media often exacerbates this feeling, giving us curated glimpses into the lives of others, which can leave us feeling disconnected or “less than.” We are bombarded with messages about what we should be doing, how we should look, or what success should mean, and it’s easy to get caught up in a cycle of comparison, insecurity, and doubt.
Kierkegaard’s answer to this despair is faith—faith in something beyond the superficial, beyond what is immediately visible. This doesn’t necessarily mean religious faith, though for Kierkegaard, God was at the heart of his understanding of the leap. Rather, it’s a faith that our lives have meaning, that our struggles are significant, and that there is a deeper purpose to our existence. Taking the leap means choosing to believe in this meaning, even when we can’t fully see it.
Embracing Uncertainty: The Leap in Practice
How do we apply Kierkegaard’s leap of faith in our daily lives? What does it look like to take this leap in practical terms?
- Trusting in the Unknown: The leap of faith means being willing to take action, even when the outcome is uncertain. This could mean pursuing a career that aligns with your passion, even if it doesn’t promise financial security, or taking a chance on a relationship despite past heartbreaks. It means choosing to move forward even when you don’t have all the answers.
- Letting Go of the Need for Guarantees: In our modern world, we are conditioned to want guarantees before we make a decision. But Kierkegaard’s leap teaches us that in matters of purpose, meaning, and personal growth, guarantees are impossible. True growth comes from stepping into the unknown and being open to whatever comes next.
- Living Authentically: The leap of faith is also about choosing to live authentically—being true to who you are, even when that means going against the grain. It means making choices that reflect your values and what matters most to you, rather than simply conforming to societal expectations. Living authentically is a leap because it often involves vulnerability and courage, especially when the world seems to value conformity over individuality.
- Faith as a Daily Practice: For Kierkegaard, faith wasn’t a one-time decision—it was a continuous practice. It requires daily recommitment, especially in the face of doubts and uncertainties. Whether through meditation, prayer, reflection, or simply being mindful of our intentions, the leap of faith is an ongoing journey rather than a destination.
The Leap of Faith in Relationships
Kierkegaard’s leap of faith also has powerful implications for our relationships. Trusting others, being vulnerable, and opening ourselves to love all require a leap of faith. There is always the risk of being hurt, of losing, of failing—but without taking the leap, we miss out on the opportunity for genuine connection and love.
In our modern age, where we often see relationships as transactional or are hesitant to commit for fear of vulnerability, Kierkegaard’s leap becomes even more relevant. It reminds us that the richest experiences in life often come from taking risks—from loving deeply, even when there are no guarantees.
Why Does the Leap of Faith Still Matter?
Kierkegaard’s “leap of faith” remains profoundly relevant because it addresses a universal aspect of the human condition: our need for meaning in an unpredictable world. In an era that values data, science, and rationality, the leap of faith invites us to embrace the aspects of life that cannot be quantified or explained. It invites us to take risks, to trust in ourselves, and to find meaning, even when it seems elusive.
The leap of faith challenges us to step beyond the boundaries of certainty and comfort. It calls us to live authentically, love deeply, and believe that our lives have purpose. It reminds us that, despite the complexities and uncertainties of existence, we have the power to choose our path, define our own meaning, and embrace life in all its beauty and unpredictability.
Making the Leap
Kierkegaard’s concept of the leap of faith isn’t about abandoning reason or logic—it’s about recognising that there are aspects of our lives that require something beyond reason. It is about having the courage to move forward, even when the path is unclear, and about trusting that our lives have value, even when we cannot see the full picture.
In The Sickness Unto Death, Kierkegaard presents us with a choice: to remain in despair, disconnected from our true selves, or to take a leap of faith toward a life of meaning and authenticity. This leap is not easy—it requires courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. But it is also the key to overcoming despair and finding fulfilment in a world that often feels uncertain and chaotic.
So, if you find yourself grappling with doubt, anxiety, or uncertainty, consider Kierkegaard’s invitation. Take the leap. Trust in the value of your journey, and embrace the unknown with courage. In doing so, you may just find that the meaning you seek is already within you, waiting to be discovered.