Authentic: representing one’s true nature or beliefs; true to oneself or to the person identified
As the “father of existentialism,” Søren Kierkegaard placed a strong emphasis on authenticity in his writings. He strongly believed that this quality was essential for individuals to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Key aspects of Kierkegaard’s thoughts on authenticity:
- Individual Subjectivity: Kierkegaard was deeply concerned with individual subjectivity and the inner life of the individual. He argued that true authenticity involves recognizing and embracing one’s own unique subjectivity, including one’s thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences.
- Existential Despair: Kierkegaard believed that individuals often experience a sense of existential despair when confronted with the absurdity and uncertainty of life. Authenticity, in his view, requires acknowledging and confronting this despair rather than trying to escape from it through superficial distractions or conforming to societal norms.
- Freedom and Choice: Authenticity is closely tied to the concept of freedom and choice. Kierkegaard argued that authentic individuals are those who make genuine, passionate choices in their lives, rather than simply following the crowd or adhering to external expectations. He believed that individuals should take responsibility for their choices, even in the face of anxiety and uncertainty.
- The Three Stages of Existence: Kierkegaard proposed a developmental model of existence consisting of three stages: the aesthetic, the ethical, and the religious. In the aesthetic stage, individuals pursue pleasure and immediate gratification. The ethical stage involves making ethical choices and living by moral principles. However, Kierkegaard believed that the highest form of authenticity could be found in the religious stage, where individuals make a leap of faith and enter into a personal relationship with God.
- Paradox and Faith: Kierkegaard saw an inherent paradox in the concept of faith. Authentic faith, in his view, required a leap beyond rational understanding. It involved embracing uncertainty and paradox, which he referred to as “the leap of faith.” This leap was an authentic response to the mysteries of existence and a way to transcend the limitations of reason.
- Inwardness: Kierkegaard stressed the importance of inwardness, which means turning one’s attention inward to explore one’s deepest values, beliefs, and passions. Authenticity, he argued, begins with self-reflection and self-awareness.
Finding Your Meaning:
Søren Kierkegaard’s belief that authenticity was central to leading a meaningful life continues in existentialism today. His ideas on authenticity continue to influence existentialist philosophy and discussions of personal identity and purpose.
What does authenticity mean to you?