The ever increasing intensity of despair depends upon the degree of consciousness or is proportionate to this increase: the greater the degree of consciousness, the more intensive the despair. This is everywhere apparent, most clearly in despair at its maximum and minimum. The devil's despair is the most intensive despair, for the devil is sheer spirit and hence unqualified consciousness and transparency; there is no obscurity in the devil that could serve as a mitigating excuse. Therefore, his despair is the most absolute defiance. . . .
Soren KierkegaardWith respect to physical existence, one needs little, and to the degree that one needs less, the more perfect one is.
Soren KierkegaardWhat is existence for but to be laughed at if men in their twenties have already attained the utmost?
Soren Kierkegaard