Soren Kierkegaard, often regarded as the father of existentialism, placed a profound emphasis on the concept of authenticity in his works. Kierkegaard’s exploration of authenticity revolves around the individual’s struggle to live a life true to themselves, in contrast to the pressures and expectations of society. For Kierkegaard, the pursuit of authenticity is not merely a philosophical exercise but a deeply personal and spiritual journey that defines what it means to live an authentic existence.
The Concept of Authenticity
Kierkegaard’s understanding of authenticity is rooted in the notion of becoming a “true self.” He believed that each individual has a unique purpose or calling, which he referred to as their “subjective truth.” This subjective truth is not something one discovers externally, but rather, it is an internal realization that emerges through introspection, faith, and personal commitment. Kierkegaard famously stated:
“The thing is to find a truth which is true for me, to find the idea for which I can live and die.”
For Kierkegaard, authenticity involves a confrontation with the self. It requires one to face their anxieties, doubts, and fears, and to choose to live in accordance with their inner convictions rather than conforming to societal norms. This process is inherently difficult and often isolating, as it demands a rejection of the “crowd” and an embrace of individuality. In “The Sickness Unto Death,” Kierkegaard wrote:
“The greatest hazard of all, losing oneself, can occur very quietly in the world, as if it were nothing at all. No other loss can occur so quietly; any other loss…is sure to be noticed.”
The Role of Despair and Faith
Kierkegaard identified despair as a central obstacle to authenticity. Despair, according to him, arises when an individual lives inauthentically–when they fail to align their actions with their true self. This state of despair can manifest in various forms, such as the despair of not being true to oneself or the despair of realizing that one is not living the life they were meant to live.
However, Kierkegaard did not view despair as purely negative. He believed it could serve as a catalyst for change, urging the individual to seek out their true self. This transformative process often leads to what Kierkegaard called the “leap of faith,” where one abandons rational certainty and societal expectations in favor of a deeply personal commitment to their own beliefs and values. This leap of faith is crucial for living authentically, as it signifies the individual’s willingness to embrace the uncertainty and subjectivity inherent in existence.
Kierkegaard expressed this idea in “Fear and Trembling,” where he discusses the biblical story of Abraham, who, in an act of faith, was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac. Kierkegaard admired Abraham’s faith, seeing it as the ultimate expression of authenticity:
“He believed on the strength of the absurd, for all human calculation had long since been suspended.
Authenticity as a Religious Task
Kierkegaard’s emphasis on authenticity is deeply intertwined with his religious beliefs. He saw the pursuit of authenticity as fundamentally a religious task, one that requires a personal relationship with God. For Kierkegaard, living authentically means living in accordance with one’s faith, which he viewed as an individual’s highest calling. This involves a continuous process of self-examination, repentance, and renewal, where the individual constantly strives to align their life with their deepest convictions.
In this sense, authenticity is not merely about self-expression or personal satisfaction; it is about fulfilling one’s divine purpose. Kierkegaard believed that only by embracing this religious dimension could and individual achieve true authenticity. As he wrote in “The Sickness Unto Death,”:
“To need God is man’s highest perfection.”
Kierkegaard’s Challenge to his Reader
Soren Kierkegaard’s philosophy of authenticity challenges the reader to confront the deepest aspects of existence. He urges us to live not according to the dictates of society or the expectations of others, but in accordance with our own deeply held beliefs and values. This pursuit of authenticity is fraught with difficulties, requiring courage, introspection, and often, a leap of faith. Yet, for Kierkegaard, it is only through this process that one can truly live a life of meaning and purpose.
Kierkegaard’s exploration of authenticity remains a powerful reminder of the importance of living a life that is true to oneself, a message that continues to resonate in the existentialist tradition and beyond.