Søren Kierkegaard was a Danish philosopher and theologian who lived in the 19th century. One of his most significant contributions to philosophy is his concept of anxiety. Anxiety, according to Kierkegaard, is not just a psychological state but a fundamental aspect of the human condition. In this essay, we will explore Kierkegaard’s concept of anxiety, its causes, and its implications for human existence.
Kierkegaard’s Concept of Anxiety
Kierkegaard defined anxiety as a feeling of unease and apprehension that arises from a person’s awareness of their freedom and the responsibilities that come with it. For Kierkegaard, anxiety is a universal human experience that arises from the tension between our desire for freedom and our fear of the unknown. Anxiety is not simply a negative emotion that we should try to avoid, but rather an integral part of our existence that we must learn to embrace.
Kierkegaard believed that anxiety is an existential condition that arises from our awareness of the gap between our finite selves and the infinite possibilities of existence. In other words, we are aware that we could become anything, and this realization can be overwhelming. Kierkegaard referred to this awareness as the “dizziness of freedom.”
Kierkegaard argued that anxiety is distinct from fear. Fear is a response to a specific threat, whereas anxiety arises from our awareness of the unknown. Fear can be overcome by confronting the object of our fear, but anxiety is a more persistent and pervasive emotion that cannot be easily dispelled.
Causes of Anxiety
For Kierkegaard, anxiety arises from our awareness of our freedom and the responsibilities that come with it. He believed that there are three main sources of anxiety: the freedom of choice, the possibility of sin, and the inevitability of death.
The freedom of choice is a fundamental aspect of human existence. We are free to choose our own paths in life, but this freedom comes with the burden of responsibility. The responsibility to make the right choices and to bear the consequences of our actions can be overwhelming and lead to anxiety.
The possibility of sin is another source of anxiety. Kierkegaard believed that humans have a natural inclination towards sin, and this realization can be distressing. The fear of falling short of our own moral standards and the judgment of others can also contribute to anxiety.
Finally, Kierkegaard believed that the inevitability of death is a source of anxiety. Our awareness of our own mortality and the uncertainty of what comes after death can be overwhelming. Kierkegaard believed that the fear of death is the ultimate anxiety, as it represents the final limit of human existence.
Implications for Human Existence
Kierkegaard believed that anxiety is an integral part of the human condition and that we cannot simply overcome it through rational thought or behavior. He argued that we must learn to embrace anxiety as an essential aspect of our existence and use it as a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery.
Kierkegaard believed that the only way to overcome anxiety is through faith. He argued that faith involves a leap of faith, a surrender of the self to a higher power. By placing our trust in a higher power, we can overcome the anxiety that arises from our awareness of our own limitations.
Kierkegaard’s concept of anxiety has important implications for human existence. It highlights the fundamental tension between our desire for freedom and our fear of the unknown. It also emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and the need to make choices that align with our own moral values.