“It is (to describe it figuratively) as if an author were to make a slip of the pen, and as if this clerical error became conscious of being such. Perhaps this was no error but in a far higher sense was an essential part of the whole exposition. It is, then, as if this clerical error were to revolt against the author, out of hatred for him, were to forbid him to correct it, and were to say, "No, I will not be erased, I will stand as a witness against thee, that thou art a very poor writer.”

Analysis of Quote by Soren Kierkegaard

In this quote, Soren Kierkegaard uses a metaphor to explore the idea of mistakes or errors in the context of writing. He suggests that just like a slip of the pen can become conscious of itself and rebel against the author, mistakes or failures in life can become sources of resistance and rebellion. The error, in this case, represents a form of defiance against the authority of the author or creator, refusing to be corrected or erased. This can be interpreted as a reflection on existential themes of individual autonomy, defiance, and the struggle against external forces.

Modern Relevance of Kierkegaard's Metaphor of the Clerical Error

Kierkegaard's metaphor of the clerical error taking on a life of its own and rebelling against the author can be seen as a poignant symbol of the complexities and challenges of communication in the digital age. In today's world, information spreads quickly and can often take on a life of its own, sometimes diverging from the original intent. The metaphor can also be applied to the power dynamics between creators and their creations, as well as the importance of owning up to mistakes and taking responsibility for one's words and actions.

Soren Kierkegaard on the rebellious nature of mistakes

"It is (to describe it figuratively) as if an author were to make a slip of the pen, and as if this clerical error became conscious of being such. Perhaps this was no error but in a far higher sense was an essential part of the whole exposition. It is, then, as if this clerical error were to revolt against the author, out of hatred for him, were to forbid him to correct it, and were to say, 'No, I will not be erased, I will stand as a witness against thee, that thou art a very poor writer.'"

Reflection Questions

In this passage, Kierkegaard presents a thought-provoking analogy of a clerical error rebelling against the author, refusing to be corrected. This raises questions about the role of mistakes and imperfections in our lives and creations. Consider the following reflection questions:

1. Have you ever experienced a situation where a mistake or error turned out to be an essential part of a larger outcome?
2. How do you typically respond to mistakes or imperfections in your work or personal life? Do you try to correct them or embrace them as part of the whole?
3. What does Kierkegaard's analogy suggest about the relationship between creator and creation, and the potential for defiance or resistance within that dynamic?
4. How might this concept of a "clerical error" refusing to be erased apply to situations of conflict or adversity in our own lives?
5. Can you think of a time when a mistake or imperfection served as a reminder of your humanity or fallibility? How did you respond to this realization?