Works of Love - Classic Text | Alexandria
Works of Love (Danish: Kjerlighedens Gjerninger), published in 1847, stands as one of Søren Kierkegaard's most profound philosophical treatises on Christian ethics and the nature of love. This seminal work, composed during a particularly turbulent period in the Danish philosopher's life, presents a challenging meditation on love's various manifestations and obligations through a distinctly Christian lens.
The text emerged during Copenhagen's Golden Age, a period of intense cultural and intellectual ferment in Danish society. Kierkegaard wrote the work following his broken engagement to Regine Olsen, an experience that deeply influenced his philosophical perspectives on love and duty. The manuscript was completed in 1847 after Kierkegaard's infamous conflict with the satirical journal The Corsair, which had subjected him to public ridicule.
Through a series of fifteen deliberations, divided into two series, Kierkegaard explores the concept of Christian love (agape) in contrast to preferential love (eros and philia). The work's revolutionary approach lies in its insistence that genuine love must transcend mere emotional preference and extend to all humanity, including one's enemies. Kierkegaard's psychological acuity shines through his analysis of self-deception in matters of love, challenging readers to examine their own capacity for genuine Christian love.
The influence of Works of Love extends far beyond theological circles, profoundly impacting existential philosophy, psychology, and modern discussions of ethics. Contemporary scholars continue to mine its depths for insights into human relationships, duty, and the nature of authentic love. The work's examination of love's obligations versus its spontaneous expressions remains startlingly relevant to modern debates about social responsibility and individual freedom.
Works of Love persists as a challenging and transformative text, bridging the gap between philosophical abstraction and lived experience. Its enduring legacy raises essential questions about the nature of love in an increasingly individualistic world: Can love truly be commanded? How do we reconcile divine love with human limitations? These questions, first posed by Kierkegaard in 1847, continue to resonate with readers seeking to understand the complex interplay between faith, love, and human obligation.