Søren Kierkegaard was a 19th-century Danish philosopher, theologian, and poet who lived in Copenhagen. Often recognized as the founder of existentialism, his work focused on the importance of the individual, personal choice, and authentic living. He frequently utilized irony, parables, and metaphors to explore complex themes regarding morality, ethics, and the human psyche. Unlike later atheistic existentialists, Kierkegaard's thought was deeply rooted in Christian principles, emphasizing a subjective relationship with God and criticizing the state-controlled religious institutions of his era.