Chapter 1, The Journals Summary and Analysis

The first chapter contains a number of passages from Kierkegaard's journals, the first few of which predate his conversion to Christianity and eventually we come upon the time relating to his conversion. Later Kierkegaard will speak of his one and only love.

On July 29, 1835, Kierkegaard finds himself in Gilbjerg, the highest point in his district. He stands there one quiet evening and feels a profound sense of contentment, letting himself pass out of his body. He turns away from the busy world without forgetting blessed moments. He is stunned by his own nothingness yet is aware of Christ's words that not a sparrow shall fall on the ground without the Father. He knows that he is both great and small.

At age twenty-five, Kierkegaard converts and finds himself undergoing a "terrible revolution" forced upon him with a...