Søren Kierkegaard — To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneself.
To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneself.Søren Kierkegaard
Attributed to Søren Kierkegaard
Kierkegaard weighs two losses. Daring risks a stumble — brief, recoverable. Refusing to dare risks something far worse: slowly losing who you might have become.
Speaking English before you feel ready is that small stumble. You may lose your footing for a sentence. Staying silent forever loses far more.
Words that widen the world
To have the courage to do something risky.
Synonyms: venture, risk, brave
She dared to speak first.
A secure grip or stable position for the feet.
Synonyms: balance, foothold, stability
He lost his footing, then found it again.
Common questions
It means taking a risk may cause a brief stumble, but refusing to ever take risks means losing your true self over time.
It is widely attributed to the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard; since the source is uncertain, we mark it as attributed.
Carry it with you
In your own words, what does this thought mean to you? Write three or four sentences in English about a moment when it felt true — saying it yourself is how it stays with you.
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