Economic anxiety came suddenly upon me and all too close … then suddenly confusion [war and revolution] broke loose … I produced more powerfully than ever, but more than ever like a dying man. In the direction of Christianity it is the highest yet accorded me, that is certain. But in another sense it is … to high for me to assume responsibility and step forth openly in character. That is the deeper significance of the new pseudonym [Anti-Climacus], who is higher than I.

Kierkegaard, Journals