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Why did Jacob Burckhardt abandon the study of theology?
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Jacob Burckhardt
Jacob Burckhardt, 1892
Jacob Burckhardt initially pursued the study of theology as a concession to the professional traditions of his father and grandfather, who were both respected figures in Basel. However, he ultimately abandoned the field because he lacked a true calling for the profession. Following a prolonged personal crisis, he left his theological studies behind, along with the explicit profession of the Christian faith.1