Summary

Before beginning a philosophical analysis of the Genesis story, de Silentio puts forward an extolling ode to Abraham as a hero of faith. Without the type of eternal consciousness typified by Abraham, life would be empty, devoid of meaning, and full of despair. This is not the case, however, because God has provided paradigmatic, exemplary examples through the likes of poets, orators, and, especially heroes. De Silentio fancies himself a poet whose task is to keep the memory of an ancient hero (Abraham) alive such that he will not be forgotten.

No one who is great is ever forgotten, de Silentio suggests. Each person is great in his own way, but three arenas are highlighted as particularly salient: love, expectancy, and struggle. Greatness is determined in proportion to that which is loved, in proportion to that which is expected, and in proportion...