Leap of faith
Meaning
An act of believing in or attempting something whose outcome is uncertain but is undertaken with conviction, often despite rational doubt or lack of empirical evidence.
Origin
The profound idea of a "leap of faith" is most famously associated with the 19th-century Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. In his existential works, particularly "Fear and Trembling," Kierkegaard explored the radical, often paradoxical, nature of religious belief. He posited that true faith was not a logical conclusion but a passionate, individual commitment—a courageous, unreasoned plunge into the unknown. He illustrated this through Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, presenting it as an act that transcends ethical reasoning, requiring an unshakeable, personal commitment to the divine despite the terrifying absurdity. This intellectual "leap" captures the essence of choosing belief in the face of doubt.
Examples
- Deciding to quit her stable job and start her own business was a huge leap of faith, but she believed in her vision.
- Despite the daunting challenges, he took a leap of faith and moved to a new country, hoping for a fresh start.