ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

repetition (kierkegaard)

Repetition is when you do something over and over again. Imagine you are trying to learn how to ride a bicycle. At first, you may fall a lot and find it very difficult. But if you keep practicing, you will eventually get the hang of it and be able to ride without falling. That's repetition!

Now, let's talk about what the philosopher Kierkegaard meant by repetition. He believed that in order to truly understand something, we have to repeat it. When we do, we can experience it in a deeper way and gain new insights into what it really means.

For example, imagine you read a book once and think you understand it. But if you read it again and again, you might notice new details or understand the characters in a different way. That's what Kierkegaard means by repetition - we can gain a deeper understanding of something by experiencing it over and over again.

Now, Kierkegaard also believed that repetition can be a way to connect with God. Sometimes, we get so caught up in our daily lives that we forget to think about deeper matters like spirituality. But if we make a habit of praying or meditating every day, we can connect with God in a deeper way and gain a stronger sense of purpose in life.

So, that's what Kierkegaard meant by repetition - doing something over and over again can help us understand it better and connect with deeper aspects of life.