Angst - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Angst, also known as existential anxiety, is a profound and unsettling feeling arising from an individual's confrontation with the fundamental uncertainties and freedom of human existence. Often misconstrued as simple fear or worry, angst delves deeper into the disquiet of being responsible for shaping one's own life in a world devoid of inherent meaning. Is it merely a teenage affectation, or a genuine glimpse into the abyss?
The term's philosophical roots can be traced back to the mid-19th century, specifically to the writings of Søren Kierkegaard. In his 1844 work, The Concept of Anxiety, he explored Angest (the Danish word for anxiety/angst) as the dizziness of freedom, the dread that accompanies the realization of one's potential to choose. The societal context of this exploration occurred amidst the burgeoning industrial revolution, when traditional societal structures and religious certainties were beginning to crumble under the weight of modernization. Did this societal shift amplify the experience of angst, or merely reflect a deeper, timeless human condition?
The 20th century witnessed a surge in angst's prominence, fueled by existentialist philosophers like Martin Heidegger and Jean-Paul Sartre. Heidegger connected angst with our awareness of being-towards-death, while Sartre emphasized the anguish of absolute freedom and responsibility. These ideas were reflected and amplified in literature and art, seen in the works of Franz Kafka, Edvard Munch, and countless others who attempted to capture the feeling of alienation, absurdity, and the burden of self-creation. Interestingly, the interpretation of angst has shifted, with some viewing it as a sign of intellectual depth, while others see it as a paralyzing force to be overcome.
Today, angst continues to resonate in a world grappling with technological advancements, social fragmentation, and existential crises. From climate anxiety to the fear of AI, the feeling of existential dread finds new expression in modern anxieties. Perhaps the enduring mystique of angst lies in its uncanny ability to mirror back to us our deepest fears and desires, forcing us to confront the question: by confronting our angst, do we truly embrace our humanity?