What is a core theme in Kierkegaard's existential thought?

In Kierkegaard's existential thought, individualism stands out as a core theme. He emphasizes the importance of personal choice, subjective experience, and the individual's relationship with existence. Kierkegaard argues that each person must find their own path and confront the inherent anxieties and dilemmas of life uniquely. This perspective highlights the significance of personal faith, authenticity, and the subjective nature of truth, which diverges from collective or material frameworks.

Kierkegaard critiques societal norms and collective beliefs that can overshadow the individual's voice and experience, advocating for a life lived authentically through individual decisions. He sees the journey toward self-understanding and true faith as a deeply personal endeavor, where the individual grapples with existential questions that shape their identity and purpose. This focus on the individual's role in creating meaning and navigating existence is central to his philosophy.