Influencing philosophers such as Sartre and Camus, and still modern in its psychological insights, this work explores the concept of 'despair' as a symptom of the human condition and describes man's struggle to fill the spiritual void.

Danish-born S¿ren Kierkegaard (1813-55) wrote on a wide variety of themes, including religion, psychology, and literature. He is remembered for his philosophy, which was influential in the development of 20th century existentialism.