Søren Kierkegaard, a philosopher, drew significant reflections on his youth that contributed to his existentialist views. He considered his early feelings of alienation, inadequacy, and relationships, particularly with his father, in shaping his understanding of the human condition. Kierkegaard's exploration of choices, despair, and faith laid groundwork for modern existential thought, influencing philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche. His writings grapple with the concepts of individuality and existence, inviting readers to consider their paths and choices in life.