Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
Fear and Trembling  By  cover art

Fear and Trembling

By: Søren Kierkegaard
Narrated by: Mark Meadows
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $11.70

Buy for $11.70

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

From the perspective of an unbeliever, Fear and Trembling explores the paradox of faith, the nature of Christianity, and the complexity of human emotion. Kierkegaard examines the biblical story of Abraham, who was instructed to sacrifice his son Isaac, and forces us to consider Abraham's state of mind. What drove Abraham, and what made him carry out such an absurd and extreme request from God? Kierkegaard argues that Abraham's agreement to sacrifice Isaac, and his suspension of reason, elevated him to the highest level of faith. He explores more comprehensible alternatives, but in each one Abraham fails the test of faith, thus showing that true faith cannot be explained, understood, or made rational.

His thesis is a compelling counterpoint to Hegel, who maintained that reason was the highest form of thought, and it proved a significant source of inspiration to later existentialist philosophers such as Camus and Sartre.

Public Domain (P)2019 Naxos Audiobooks

What listeners say about Fear and Trembling

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    220
  • 4 Stars
    57
  • 3 Stars
    26
  • 2 Stars
    11
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    210
  • 4 Stars
    42
  • 3 Stars
    7
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    1
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    183
  • 4 Stars
    43
  • 3 Stars
    22
  • 2 Stars
    8
  • 1 Stars
    4

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great book and Formidable Narration

Enough has been written on this marvelous work. Here, I have nothing to add,
As for the narration, before buying this audio-book I seriously considered if hearing instead of reading was appropriate considering the nature of this work. But now am short of word to praise the magnificent performance of Mark Meadows in a task that is as challenging as it could be. Kierkegaard's thoughtfulness and poetics, drama and perplexity have found a perfect translation in a narration that is by itself a work of art.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Insight

This is my first exposure to Soren Kierkegaard, and I must say; it was very impressive! His dedication to properly understanding faith in God, is for me, awe inspiring. In this audiobook, we are given insight into the often peculiar nature of active faith. And personally, I was able to fully identify with the vivid descriptions Mr. Kierkegaard deftly shares.

Also, Mark Meadows did an excellent job in reading the text of this audiobook. Indeed, Naxon who produced this audiobook, did a superb job in all areas related to its production and presentation! And finally, I happily recommend Fear and Trembling.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Refreshingly clear

Very clear Thesis. Very nicely orated. My favorite from Soren K. this far. I definitely recommend.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

very thought provoking

The concepts presented were to difficult to grasp through an audible book. I've got the print book on the way.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing. Never figured out Abraham on mug own

30 years ago I read selections in philosophy class about existentialism. Today as a reborn Christian I see the meaning in this discussion. Great reading and good for spiritual mind candy as our hands work. Idle hands are devils plaything.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

possibly a life changing book

A very good translation and also well read. I can't recommend this book highly enough

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great read of an all time great work of thought.

books like these can be hard to read so I like to listen to the audio book along side to get a feel for how the "flow" is supposed to go. this was a great reading and a different although I think improved translation than the most common version.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

fascinating but difficult

fascinating concept of a book. interesting ideas to consider. but hard to follow all the points as the author wins his way through several ways of looking at the scenario. I found the most thought provoking chapters earlier in the book. and later on, became it confusing

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Dense but good

Dense but always manageable, perhaps watch a video about Kierkegaard before listening to this book.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

read twice

I found myself struggling alot the first time through so I listened again right after finishing and it was like it all clicked, so thats my suggestion to anyone who struggles with it like I did

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!