Take a leap of faith
Meaning
To commit to an action or decision based purely on trust or belief, despite a lack of complete proof or certainty about the outcome.
Origin
Imagine being at the edge of a vast, misty chasm, with no clear bridge in sight. That's the essence of "taking a leap of faith," a phrase often whispered in the same breath as the 19th-century Danish philosopher, Søren Kierkegaard. He believed that true faith—especially in matters of the divine—was never about logical proof or clear-cut evidence. Instead, it demanded a radical, passionate plunge into the unknown. For Kierkegaard, genuine belief meant suspending rational thought and making a deeply personal, often terrifying, existential choice. It wasn't about blindly stumbling; it was a conscious, courageous decision to trust in something beyond reason's grasp, defining one's own truth in the face of profound uncertainty. This powerful idea, though rooted in religious thought, quickly transcended theology to describe any bold, personal commitment made without a safety net.
Examples
- After months of deliberation, she decided to quit her stable job and start her own business, truly taking a leap of faith.
- Moving to a new country without a guaranteed job was a huge leap of faith, but he knew it was the right decision for his personal growth.