Unless  my memory tricks me, it was Heracleitus who thought
that strife (eris) was the origin of all things. I have often
asked myself why? Could it have been that he perceived in the
very multiplicity of spirits, the need of each one of us to
define him- or herself against the other,
in a manner reminiscent of,
if not so violent or destructive
as the Manner in which Cain
found it necesseary to define his relationship to God.

Such considerations become relevant to Kierkegaard's criticisms
both of the university and of the church.
Kierkegaard's harsh judgments
don't give us carte blanche to mimic him;
but they do provide an occasion for us
to understand both the
need for these institutions,
and the imperfections
which give rise to disappointment,
which is at the root of the criticism.
The individual perceives the discrepancies
between the ideal and the real,
and feels a need to make these discrepancies explicit. 
Our judgments obviously do not alter reality
which is beyond our control, 
but they provide an indispensable 
framework within which we orient our
thoughts and our actions.
That is why such judgments are of great importance
to him who is judging.

A young person who is starting out in life,
who for one reason or another has become attracted
to the life of the mind,
who finds himself lost and homeless in the  
world of business . . .