Valerij Daniloff
1 min readJan 23, 2023

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How Søren Kierkegaard defined anxiety

Anxiety, according to philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, is a fundamental aspect of the human experience.

In his book "The Concept of Anxiety," Kierkegaard argues that anxiety is not a pathological condition, but rather a necessary and positive aspect of human existence.

Kierkegaard contends that anxiety is a natural response to the freedom and possibility that comes with being human.

As human beings, we have the ability to make choices and shape our own lives, and this freedom can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Anxiety arises from the realization that we are responsible for the direction of our own lives, and that the choices we make will have real and lasting consequences.

But according to Kierkegaard, anxiety is not something to be feared or avoided.

Instead, he argues that anxiety is a sign of vitality and engagement with the world. It is a sign that we are alive and aware, that we are taking our existence seriously.

Anxiety is a call to action, a reminder that we have the power to shape our own lives and that we are responsible for the choices we make.

Kierkegaard also points out that anxiety is not an emotion that can be suppressed or eliminated, it is something that is an integral part of human existence.

However, it is important to use anxiety in the right way. Anxiety can be used as a tool for self-discovery, helping us to identify our true selves, our values, and our passions.

It can inspire us to take risks, to explore new possibilities, and to create

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