Kierkegaard's Paradox: Writing and Existence in Delecroix's New Book

Vincent Delecroix has published a dual work on Søren Kierkegaard: an essay on the Danish philosopher's writing strategies and a new translation of his 'Practice in Christianity'. The book, released by Éditions Le Félin, examines how Kierkegaard used pseudonyms and literary techniques to subvert philosophical treatises, aiming to push readers from mere knowledge to lived existence. Delecroix's essay explores the paradox of writing about life while being trapped in text, a struggle Kierkegaard himself acknowledged in his journals. The review notes that while Delecroix's approach is not new, it risks encouraging vague philosophy and heavy poetry. The article highlights Kierkegaard's concern that art can become demonic when it commodifies suffering, and draws a parallel to Barnett Newman's 'zip' as an iconoclastic gesture. The review concludes by urging readers to engage with 'Practice in Christianity' as an act, not just a text.