Acknowledgments
Kierkegaard scholars from around the globe and at all different stages of their careers have been so generous in passing along their favorite quotes that this collection could almost be reckoned a group project. I am grateful to these scholars not only for the lines that they have sent me, but even more so for their willingness to reveal where the heart of their interest in the master lies. After all, such revelations are self-revelations.
I am also eager to express my gratitude to the two anonymous reviewers of the text. As a result of their sparkling erudition, I was safeguarded from a number of pitfalls and my introductory essay is stronger than it would have been without their generous advice.
Paul Muench and Peder Garnass-Halvorson, former student workers in the Hong Kierkegaard Library, were very helpful in tracking down obscure quotes. Sonja Gleason-Wermager deserves special thanks for the many hours she devoted to the exacting work of checking texts. Thanks are also due to Seth Thomas for his careful reading of the text. Finally, I have profited and am grateful for the wisdom of Willis Regier, author of Quotology.
This humble offering would not have been possible were it not for the steady and insightful guidance of my editor, Rob Tempio. I am also obliged to Ryan Mulligan for his many and noble efforts in shaping this volume.
Finally, my eternal gratitude goes out to my wife, Dr. Susan Marino. Night after night, she gracefully put aside her own research as a neuroscientist to ponder and compare lines from the Danish writer who could make thoughts dance. If Kierkegaard had not taught me otherwise, I would have to think that Susan’s love was proof of grace divine.