Kierkegaard’s Modern Toolkit: 5 Essential Apps

If Soren Kierkegaard, the Danish philosopher known for his existentialist views, were alive today, how would he interact with modern technology? Kierkegaard’s thoughts on individuality, self-reflection, and the pursuit of truth offer intriguing perspectives on the digital tools of our time. Let’s explore five smartphone apps that Kierkegaard might use, each aligning with key aspects of his philosophy.

1. Balance – For Individualized Meditation:

Kierkegaard, a thinker deeply concerned with the individual’s internal life, would appreciate Balance for its personalized approach to meditation. He wrote, “The thing is to understand myself, to see what God really wishes me to do.” Balance, with its tailored meditation plans, would help him in this quest for self-understanding and individual purpose.

2. Google Keep – For Thoughts and Reflection:

For a philosopher who kept extensive journals, Google Keep would be an invaluable tool. Kierkegaard might use it to jot down his existential musings, philosophical reflections, or daily observations. “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards,” he stated, and Google Keep would be his digital journal for such contemplative thoughts.

3. Strava – For Existential Walks:

Kierkegaard often walked to clear his mind and think. Strava, an app for tracking walks and physical activities, would suit his habit perfectly. “Above all, do not lose your desire to walk,” he advised. Strava would not only track his walks but also allow him to reflect on the relationship between physical movement and mental clarity.

4. Kindle – For Reading and Exploration:

A voracious reader and thinker, Kierkegaard would find the Kindle app indispensable for its access to a vast array of literature and philosophy. “People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use,” he mused. Kindle would provide him with endless material for thought and discussion.

5. SkyView – For Contemplation of Existence:

Kierkegaard, who pondered deeply on existence, would be fascinated by SkyView, an app that allows exploration of the stars and constellations. “The most painful state of being is remembering the future, particularly the one you’ll never have,” he might reflect while gazing at the cosmos through SkyView, contemplating the mysteries of existence.

Conclusion: In today’s digital age, these apps would resonate with Kierkegaard’s philosophical pursuits, offering platforms for reflection, learning, and exploration of the self and the universe – a fitting toolkit for an existential thinker.