Why did Kierkegaard use pseudonyms?

He published most of his major philosophical works under invented names — Johannes Climacus, Anti-Climacus, Victor Eremita, Vigilius Haufniensis, and others. Each pseudonym has a distinct voice and perspective, and Kierkegaard maintained (not always consistently) that he should not be identified with any of them.

The reason was philosophical: he wanted readers to engage with the perspectives on their own terms rather than ask "what does Kierkegaard believe?" A system must be adopted from outside; he wanted readers to encounter ideas without the comfort of an authoritative teacher telling them what to conclude. The pseudonyms force an active, interpretive engagement.

Where should a new reader begin?

"Either/Or" is one option — it presents the aesthetic and ethical stages through imagined documents, with a seducer's diary and a judge's letters. It is long but accessible and immediately engaging.

"Fear and Trembling" is shorter and focuses on Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac — using the story to explore what faith means when it transcends ethical reason. It is probably the best single entry point.

"The Sickness Unto Death" is dense but compact — a philosophical analysis of despair as the failure to be oneself. If the psychological analysis of modern malaise interests you, start here.

His Journals — personal notes, not published in his lifetime — are some of the most direct expressions of his actual thinking and are invaluable for understanding the person behind the pseudonyms.

What is the best mindset for reading him?

Patience and willingness to be personally addressed. He writes not to give you information but to disturb your settled assumptions about how you are living. The discomfort is intentional.