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Fear and Trembling

Written by: Søren Kierkegaard
Narrated by: Mark Meadows
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Publisher's Summary

From the perspective of an unbeliever, Fear and Trembling explores the paradox of faith, the nature of Christianity, and the complexity of human emotion. Kierkegaard examines the biblical story of Abraham, who was instructed to sacrifice his son Isaac, and forces us to consider Abraham's state of mind. What drove Abraham, and what made him carry out such an absurd and extreme request from God? Kierkegaard argues that Abraham's agreement to sacrifice Isaac, and his suspension of reason, elevated him to the highest level of faith. He explores more comprehensible alternatives, but in each one Abraham fails the test of faith, thus showing that true faith cannot be explained, understood, or made rational.

His thesis is a compelling counterpoint to Hegel, who maintained that reason was the highest form of thought, and it proved a significant source of inspiration to later existentialist philosophers such as Camus and Sartre.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.  

Public Domain (P)2019 Naxos Audiobooks

What listeners say about Fear and Trembling

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Great content, helped me fix my bike

Great content and valuable thoughts to ponder about a debated and controversial story. Very heavy read, need to be able to focus to stay on track. My mind did wander at times but you can still cherry pick some incremental ideas. I would likely benefit from a subsequent re-read. One complaint I have is about the quality of the recording: there is a distinct chirping sound when some of the consonants are pronounced. First I thought it was my bicycle that needed maintenance - which I had to look up and learn how to do - only to realize that it was the recording.

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Heavy Material for an Audiobook

Great philosophical piece, but the material is quite dense for listening. Really enjoyed the narration, and the lecture overall is really interesting. The sentences are packed with ideas, so it's easy to get lost if you miss any details. I would recommend it to anyone with this warning.

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  • Joe
  • 2018-10-03

Some good stuff

Amazing book, if you’re religious you’ll find it absolutely incredible, if you’re not you’ll find it pretty awesome and a great intro existentialism before it was called existentialism

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  • MFC
  • 2020-03-06

Great book and Formidable Narration

Enough has been written on this marvelous work. Here, I have nothing to add,
As for the narration, before buying this audio-book I seriously considered if hearing instead of reading was appropriate considering the nature of this work. But now am short of word to praise the magnificent performance of Mark Meadows in a task that is as challenging as it could be. Kierkegaard's thoughtfulness and poetics, drama and perplexity have found a perfect translation in a narration that is by itself a work of art.

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11 people found this helpful

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  • No to Statism
  • 2019-05-02

Great Insight

This is my first exposure to Soren Kierkegaard, and I must say; it was very impressive! His dedication to properly understanding faith in God, is for me, awe inspiring. In this audiobook, we are given insight into the often peculiar nature of active faith. And personally, I was able to fully identify with the vivid descriptions Mr. Kierkegaard deftly shares.

Also, Mark Meadows did an excellent job in reading the text of this audiobook. Indeed, Naxon who produced this audiobook, did a superb job in all areas related to its production and presentation! And finally, I happily recommend Fear and Trembling.

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  • Ike
  • 2019-08-04

Refreshingly clear

Very clear Thesis. Very nicely orated. My favorite from Soren K. this far. I definitely recommend.

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  • Keith
  • 2020-02-12

very thought provoking

The concepts presented were to difficult to grasp through an audible book. I've got the print book on the way.

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  • LuckyGregor
  • 2023-08-29

Amazing. Never figured out Abraham on mug own

30 years ago I read selections in philosophy class about existentialism. Today as a reborn Christian I see the meaning in this discussion. Great reading and good for spiritual mind candy as our hands work. Idle hands are devils plaything.

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  • Ehsun
  • 2023-08-14

possibly a life changing book

A very good translation and also well read. I can't recommend this book highly enough

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  • Tyler Hodesh
  • 2023-06-13

Great read of an all time great work of thought.

books like these can be hard to read so I like to listen to the audio book along side to get a feel for how the "flow" is supposed to go. this was a great reading and a different although I think improved translation than the most common version.

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  • R. Samuel Braden
  • 2022-11-09

fascinating but difficult

fascinating concept of a book. interesting ideas to consider. but hard to follow all the points as the author wins his way through several ways of looking at the scenario. I found the most thought provoking chapters earlier in the book. and later on, became it confusing

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  • Anonymous User
  • 2022-10-11

Dense but good

Dense but always manageable, perhaps watch a video about Kierkegaard before listening to this book.

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  • dan
  • 2022-06-24

read twice

I found myself struggling alot the first time through so I listened again right after finishing and it was like it all clicked, so thats my suggestion to anyone who struggles with it like I did

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