Soren Kierkegaard

Søren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813–1855) was a Danish Lutheran theologian, philosopher, poet, social critic, and religious author widely considered the first existentialist philosopher.[1][3] He wrote critical texts on organized religion, Christianity, morality, ethics, psychology, love, and the philosophy of religion, often using pseudonyms, metaphor, irony, and parables to explore themes like authenticity, personal choice, angst, and faith.[1][2] His prolific work in the 1840s laid foundations for existentialism, influencing 20th-century philosophy, theology, literature, and psychology.[3][4]