Can’t Escape? – Modern “Mental Maze” Unlocked by Philosopher Kierkegaard! – Anxiety & Agitation

Why Do We Feel So Lost?

Hey everyone, we modern people often feel like we’re wandering through a never-ending maze. We’re constantly chasing deadlines, overwhelmed by social media, and burdened by a vague sense of unease about the future. Has that ever happened to you?

Maybe you’ve had thoughts like this:

• “I’m doing the same thing every day, and I don’t know what I’m living for…”
• “I see people posting about their glamorous lives on social media, and I feel miserable…”
• “I can’t sleep because of anxiety about the future…”
• “I know I need to change, but I don’t know how…”

These feelings aren’t unique to you. They’re a universal struggle in modern society, and many of us are stuck in this mental maze searching for an exit.

But don’t worry. Today, we’re going to call upon 19th-century philosopher Søren Kierkegaard to guide us through this maze. He’s known as the father of “existentialism” and deeply explored the very nature of human existence.

What Does Kierkegaard Mean by “Despair”?

Kierkegaard identified “despair” as the root of our “anxiety” and “agitation.” It’s not just about feeling sad or down; it’s a much deeper, existential state related to one’s sense of being.

Kierkegaard described three stages of despair:

1. Unconscious Despair: This is when you’re not even aware that you’re in despair. You’re living like a sleepwalker, following the rules set by society.
2. Conscious Despair: You become aware of the emptiness within and recognize the despair. You keep asking yourself, “Why am I living?”
3. Self-Aware Despair: You realize that you are in despair but cannot find your true self or overcome it. You feel as if you’re blocked from self-fulfillment.

These three stages mirror our journey through the mental maze.

Questioning the Self

Kierkegaard argued that to escape despair, we need to question the “self.” We need to listen to our own inner voice, understand what we truly value, and live accordingly rather than trying to fulfill others’ expectations.

Modern people are quick to compare themselves with others on social media and are easily swayed by others’ opinions. It’s like we’re living someone else’s life. But you’ll never get out of the mental maze that way.

Escaping the Modern Maze

Applying Kierkegaard’s thoughts to our modern life, there are three key steps to escape this mental maze:

1. Recognize Despair: Start by being objective about your current state. Identify if you’re trapped in “unconscious despair.” Wake up from that “just living” state and become conscious of your emotions.
2. Face Your Self: What do you love? What do you value? What kind of life do you want to live? By deeply connecting with yourself, you will find your inner voice.
3. Take Action: Once you know your values and goals, act upon them. Small steps matter. Taking action will gradually open the doors of your mental maze.

Understanding the Root of Agitation Scientifically

From a psychological perspective, agitation may be linked to excessive dopamine secretion. Dopamine is released when we feel pleasure, but with over-stimulation, it can lead to a constant need for stronger stimuli, causing us to always seek more.

Furthermore, the overabundance of information in modern society constantly pressures us to do more, leading to chronic stress and intensifying feelings of agitation.

Practical Solutions:

1. Digital Detox: Take regular breaks from social media and the internet to relieve information overload. Spending time in nature or practicing meditation can help bring back peace of mind.
2. Mindfulness: Focus on the present moment to ease anxiety about the past or future. Try meditation or yoga.
3. Goal Setting: Clarity about your goals and what you want to achieve can reduce anxiety and restlessness. Break big goals into smaller tasks to feel a sense of accomplishment.
4. Rest and Sleep: Ensure sufficient sleep and allow your mind and body to rest. Maintain a regular sleep pattern.

Expanding on Kierkegaard’s Ideas and Connecting to Modern Issues

We need to unpack Kierkegaard’s concepts further, especially his idea of “subjectivity” and its connection to modern issues of identity, authenticity, and the pressure to conform.

1. The Tyranny of the “Objective” and the Importance of Subjectivity:

Kierkegaard was critical of the emphasis on “objective truth” that was prevalent in his time. He argued that true understanding comes not from detached observation but from deeply personal, subjective experience.

• Modern Relevance: This is incredibly relevant today, with social media pushing “perfect” images and lifestyles, leading people to feel they’re not “good enough” based on objective standards.
• The Problem: When people try to live up to these external, objective ideals, they lose touch with their own subjective experiences, leading to a sense of emptiness and despair.
• Kierkegaard’s Response: Kierkegaard would argue that true happiness and fulfillment come from embracing one’s subjective self, including all its flaws and contradictions, rather than trying to fit into an objective mold.

2. Authenticity vs. Conformity:

The tension between authenticity and conformity is a central theme in Kierkegaard’s thought. He believed that true selfhood comes from making genuine choices based on one’s own values, rather than simply following societal norms.

• Modern Relevance: This is particularly relevant in a society that pressures individuals to conform to certain standards of success, beauty, and behavior. Social media can exacerbate this pressure, creating an environment where people feel compelled to present a curated version of themselves rather than their authentic selves.
• The Problem: Conformity leads to a sense of alienation from one’s own being. People become “spectators” of their own lives, rather than active participants. They lose the ability to make genuine choices and live authentically.
• Kierkegaard’s Response: Kierkegaard would call on people to reject the pressure to conform and embrace the freedom to choose one’s own path, even if it means going against the grain. This requires courage, as it means facing the possibility of criticism and isolation.

3. The Role of “Anxiety” (Angst):

Kierkegaard viewed anxiety (or “Angst,” as he called it) not as a negative emotion to be avoided but as a fundamental aspect of the human condition. He saw it as arising from our freedom, the awareness of the infinite possibilities that lie before us.

• Modern Relevance: In our modern world, anxiety is often seen as a mental illness to be treated, not as a fundamental aspect of being human. We try to suppress or medicate our anxiety, but Kierkegaard would argue that doing so is a mistake.
• The Problem: The desire to avoid anxiety can lead to a passive and unexamined life. People become risk-averse and hesitant to make choices that could lead to discomfort or change.
• Kierkegaard’s Response: Kierkegaard would encourage us to embrace our anxiety as a sign of our freedom and our responsibility for our own lives. He would argue that we must face our anxiety head-on in order to live authentically.

Refining Key Concepts

• Despair: Not just feeling sad, but a deep existential condition rooted in a disconnect from one’s true self. It’s about trying to escape oneself.
• Subjectivity: The personal, unique experience of the individual, as opposed to objective, external standards. It’s about embracing your own feelings, values, and choices.
• Authenticity: Living according to your own values and beliefs, rather than conforming to external pressures.
• Anxiety (Angst): The awareness of the freedom to choose and the responsibility that comes with it, a fundamental part of the human experience.

Practical Applications

Now that we’ve gone deeper into Kierkegaard’s thoughts, let’s connect those abstract ideas to specific, practical advice:

1. Journaling for Self-Reflection: Encourage readers to start journaling to explore their subjective feelings, values, and desires. Ask prompting questions such as:
   • What truly makes me happy?
   • What do I value most in life?
   • What are my fears and anxieties?
   • Am I living up to my own expectations, or to the expectations of others?
2. Conscious Choice-Making: Urge readers to become more aware of their choices and the reasons behind them. Are they making choices based on their own values, or are they simply going along with what’s expected of them?
3. Accepting Discomfort: Help readers understand that discomfort and anxiety are a normal part of life. Encourage them to view discomfort as an opportunity for growth, rather than something to be avoided.
4. Developing a “Growth Mindset”: Encourage a “growth mindset” (as opposed to a “fixed mindset”). View setbacks not as failures, but as opportunities to learn and grow.

Incorporating Other Perspectives:

While focusing on Kierkegaard, we can add value by incorporating other perspectives:

• Psychology: We can draw upon modern psychology, particularly humanistic psychology and existential psychology (e.g., Viktor Frankl, Rollo May) to provide a more nuanced perspective.
• Neuroscience: We can discuss the neuroscientific basis of anxiety and how practices like mindfulness and meditation can help to regulate the nervous system.

Challenging Kierkegaard: Potential Criticisms and Counterarguments

While Kierkegaard’s insights are profound, it’s important to acknowledge that his philosophy is not without its critics. Here are some potential counterarguments we can explore:

1. The Danger of Subjective Relativism:
   • Criticism: If everything is subjective, doesn’t that mean there are no objective moral standards? Could this lead to a dangerous relativism where “anything goes,” as long as it’s “authentic” to the individual?
   • Kierkegaard’s Response: Kierkegaard wasn’t advocating for moral anarchy. He believed that true subjectivity is inseparable from our relationship with a higher power (often interpreted as God). He emphasized that authenticity isn’t just about following personal whims but about making choices in accordance with a higher moral calling.
   • Modern Relevance: This is crucial for a modern audience. We must discuss the importance of not only being true to ourselves but also acting ethically and responsibly within the larger social context.
   • Our Stance: We can argue that the pursuit of authentic selfhood should not come at the expense of ethical considerations and social responsibility.
2. The “Individualistic” Bias:
   • Criticism: Is Kierkegaard’s philosophy overly individualistic? Does it neglect the importance of community and social relationships in shaping who we are?
   • Kierkegaard’s Response: While he focused on the individual, Kierkegaard wasn’t advocating for isolation. He believed that we become our true selves through our relationships with others but that the journey of self-discovery is fundamentally individual.
   • Modern Relevance: We need to acknowledge the importance of healthy relationships and community support in modern life. People need a sense of belonging and connection, which can be at odds with a purely individualistic approach.
   • Our Stance: We should emphasize the importance of balancing individual growth with healthy social engagement. Authentic relationships can be a catalyst for self-discovery and personal development.
3. The “Impracticality” of Existentialism:
   • Criticism: Critics might argue that Kierkegaard’s ideas are too abstract and impractical for everyday life. How do we apply these lofty philosophical concepts to paying bills, dealing with stress, or navigating everyday relationships?
   • Kierkegaard’s Response: Kierkegaard would argue that these “everyday problems” stem from a deeper existential crisis. He believed that addressing the underlying question of “who am I?” is essential for finding meaning and purpose in life, including those day-to-day struggles.
   • Modern Relevance: We need to make Kierkegaard’s ideas more accessible and relatable. We must bridge the gap between abstract philosophy and practical life.
   • Our Stance: We should focus on translating Kierkegaard’s insights into concrete action steps and practical exercises that our readers can apply in their daily lives.

Deep Dive into Practical Applications: Actionable Steps

Let’s move beyond abstract concepts and focus on tangible steps readers can take.

1. The “Values Audit”:
   • Concept: Based on the idea of “questioning the self,” create an exercise for readers to identify their core values.
   • Action: Readers list out things they value and consider the importance of each one. Ask questions like: What principles guide your actions? What do you stand for? What makes you feel alive and engaged?
   • Modern Application: Readers can use these values as a guide for their choices, both big and small.
2. “The Authenticity Check”:
   • Concept: Connect the idea of “authenticity vs. conformity” to daily life.
   • Action: Create a daily journal prompt: In what ways have I conformed to others’ expectations today? Did I make decisions based on my own values, or did I try to please others?
   • Modern Application: Readers can use this daily check to identify areas where they are living out of alignment with their true selves.
3. “The Anxiety Compass”:
   • Concept: Reframe anxiety as a signal that is leading you to a true self rather than a feeling to be avoided.
   • Action: Encourage readers to journal about their anxieties by asking: What am I anxious about? What underlying values might this be pointing to? (For example, if someone has anxiety about public speaking, it might point to the value of connection.)
   • Modern Application: Readers can use this awareness to better understand themselves and make choices that align with their deepest needs.
4. “The Meaningful Action Plan”:
   • Concept: Based on the idea of embracing freedom and taking responsibility.
   • Action: After identifying their core values and addressing their anxieties, readers create a specific plan for action, however small. What specific steps will I take this week to align my life with my values?
   • Modern Application: Readers will focus their energy on concrete steps toward a more authentic life.

Refined Conclusion (with counterarguments in mind):

Let’s revise the conclusion to acknowledge the criticisms and counterarguments while reasserting the importance of Kierkegaard’s ideas.

“Kierkegaard’s philosophy, though challenging, offers a profound path to navigate the modern mental maze. While his emphasis on subjectivity may raise concerns about relativism and individualism, it’s crucial to remember that authentic selfhood isn’t a rejection of ethics or social responsibility. Rather, it’s a call to integrate one’s inner life with the greater world, and to make intentional choices. Embracing our freedom and accepting our anxieties is not a comfortable path, but it’s a necessary one if we wish to find genuine meaning and purpose. Take these practical steps, and begin building a life grounded in self-understanding and intentional living. The path is yours to choose.”

References:
American Psychological Association
National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (japanese)