ClassX Video Lessons How the Way You Respond to Anxiety Changes Your Life – Søren Kierkegaard on Angst
Søren Kierkegaard, a prominent 19th-century philosopher and theologian, is often hailed as the father of existentialism. His deep dive into the complexities and absurdities of human existence has left a lasting impact on philosophy, religion, and psychology. This article explores Kierkegaard’s life, his philosophical contributions, and his insights into anxiety, which continue to resonate in our modern world.
Kierkegaard was born in 1813 in Copenhagen, Denmark, as the youngest of seven children in a prosperous family. His father, a fervent philosopher, introduced him to philosophical discussions early on, sparking his interest in philosophy and theology. Kierkegaard pursued these interests at the University of Copenhagen but soon became disenchanted with the overly intellectualized nature of the philosophical works he encountered, feeling they lacked connection to real life.
Tragedy marked Kierkegaard’s personal life; by the age of 22, he had lost five of his six siblings. This profound sense of loss and life’s inherent uncertainty deeply shaped his philosophical perspective, driving him to seek clarity on existence and the human condition.
One of Kierkegaard’s most significant philosophical contributions is his exploration of anxiety, particularly in his work “The Concept of Anxiety.” He made a distinction between everyday anxiety and existential anxiety, which he saw as a fundamental part of the human experience.
Existential anxiety stems from our awareness of freedom and the responsibility it brings. Kierkegaard described it as “the dizziness of freedom,” where individuals face the vast array of choices and the inherent uncertainties of life. This anxiety is not merely a psychological disorder but a natural response to life’s unknowns.
According to Kierkegaard, anxiety is a constant companion in human life, reflecting our struggle with freedom and the weight of our choices. Everyone experiences some form of anxiety, whether about existence, choices, or the future.
Rather than viewing anxiety purely negatively, Kierkegaard saw it as a potential catalyst for personal growth. He believed that confronting and embracing anxiety is essential for developing a meaningful self. The key lies in how we respond to this anxiety.
Kierkegaard suggested that individuals should pursue their passions—whether in love, creativity, personal growth, or ideology—based on subjective truths. This means finding what is personally meaningful and committing to it wholeheartedly, even amidst uncertainty.
Kierkegaard warned against letting anxiety lead to paralysis, where individuals become overwhelmed by choices and fail to act. This inaction can result in despair, characterized by a lack of purpose and disconnection from one’s true self. He argued that the consequences of inaction are far worse than the discomfort of anxiety itself.
Modern psychoanalyst James Hollis echoed this sentiment, stating, “Anxiety is the price of the ticket to life.” To live fully, one must accept that life is inherently uncertain and that there will never be a perfect moment to make decisions.
Kierkegaard’s philosophy encourages individuals to embrace the unknown and take leaps of faith. He believed that by facing anxiety and making choices, we can carve out a meaningful existence. This approach is particularly relevant today, where anxiety is often seen as a weakness or illness.
Instead of avoiding anxiety, Kierkegaard’s insights suggest it is an integral part of the human experience. To feel and think is to be anxious; thus, we must learn to navigate this anxiety and use it as a driving force for personal development.
Søren Kierkegaard’s exploration of anxiety and existence offers valuable insights into the human condition. His belief that anxiety can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself remains relevant today. By embracing our freedom and the accompanying anxiety, we can strive to live authentically and meaningfully in an uncertain world.
Engage in a reflective journaling exercise where you explore your own experiences with existential anxiety. Consider the choices and uncertainties in your life and how they relate to Kierkegaard’s concept of “the dizziness of freedom.” Reflect on how this anxiety has influenced your personal growth and decision-making.
Participate in a group discussion to share insights on how anxiety can be a catalyst for personal growth. Discuss Kierkegaard’s perspective on embracing anxiety and compare it with modern views on anxiety as a psychological challenge. Consider how these ideas apply to your own experiences and future aspirations.
Analyze a case study that illustrates the consequences of inaction due to anxiety. Discuss how the individual in the case could have applied Kierkegaard’s philosophy to overcome paralysis and make meaningful choices. Reflect on how you can apply these lessons to your own life.
Create a piece of art, whether it be a painting, poem, or short story, that captures the essence of embracing the unknown. Use Kierkegaard’s philosophy as inspiration to express how facing anxiety and uncertainty can lead to a more authentic and meaningful existence.
Engage in a philosophical debate with your peers on whether anxiety should be viewed as a weakness or a strength. Use Kierkegaard’s insights to argue your position, and consider opposing viewpoints that see anxiety as a purely negative experience. Aim to deepen your understanding of anxiety’s role in human life.
Philosophy – The study of fundamental questions concerning existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. – Philosophy encourages students to critically examine the nature of reality and their place within it.
Anxiety – A psychological state characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease about an imminent event or uncertain outcome. – In existential philosophy, anxiety is often seen as a natural response to the awareness of one’s own freedom and responsibility.
Existence – The state or fact of living or having objective reality. – The question of existence is central to many philosophical debates about the nature of being and the universe.
Growth – The process of developing or maturing physically, mentally, or spiritually. – Personal growth is a key theme in humanistic psychology, emphasizing the potential for self-improvement and fulfillment.
Freedom – The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. – Philosophers like Sartre argue that freedom is both a gift and a burden, as it requires individuals to make meaningful choices.
Choices – Decisions made between two or more possibilities. – The concept of choices is pivotal in existential philosophy, where individuals are seen as the architects of their own destiny.
Uncertainty – The state of being unsure about something. – In philosophy, uncertainty can be a driving force for inquiry and the search for truth.
Self – The individual’s perception of their own identity and personal characteristics. – Understanding the self is a fundamental aspect of both psychology and philosophy, exploring how identity is formed and maintained.
Personal – Relating to an individual’s private feelings, thoughts, or experiences. – Personal experiences often shape one’s philosophical outlook and psychological well-being.
Development – The process of growth or improvement over time, often in a psychological or intellectual context. – Cognitive development theories in psychology explore how thinking and reasoning evolve from childhood to adulthood.
