Existential angst

Definition

Existential angst is a feeling of deep anxiety or dread that arises from the human condition, particularly when confronting the inherent meaninglessness of life and the inevitability of death. This term reflects a struggle with personal identity, freedom, and the weight of choice in a world devoid of absolute meaning, which is a core aspect of modernist thought in spirituality and existentialism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existential angst often manifests as a profound sense of unease, prompting individuals to question their purpose and place in the world.
2. This concept is closely tied to modernist literature, where characters frequently grapple with feelings of isolation and the search for meaning.
3. Philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard and Jean-Paul Sartre explored existential angst as a crucial part of the human experience, linking it to personal freedom and responsibility.
4. In modernist spirituality, existential angst can be seen as a catalyst for personal growth, pushing individuals to confront their beliefs and values.
5. The acknowledgment of existential angst encourages a more authentic approach to life, as individuals are prompted to create their own meanings amidst uncertainty.

Review Questions

• How does existential angst contribute to the themes presented in modernist literature?
  • Existential angst plays a significant role in modernist literature by highlighting characters' internal struggles with meaninglessness and isolation. Authors often portray protagonists who are deeply affected by their awareness of life's absurdities, leading them to confront their own identities and choices. This struggle mirrors broader societal questions during the modernist era about human existence, freedom, and the search for meaning amidst chaos.
• Analyze the relationship between existential angst and authenticity in the context of existential philosophy.
  • Existential angst challenges individuals to confront their fears about existence, which can lead to a deeper understanding of authenticity. Philosophers argue that by facing this anxiety, individuals can become more aware of their true selves and values. Embracing authenticity means taking responsibility for one's choices and creating personal meaning despite an indifferent universe, thus transforming existential angst into a powerful motivator for genuine living.
• Evaluate how the concept of existential angst reflects broader societal changes in the modernist period regarding spirituality and human existence.
  • Existential angst reflects significant shifts in societal perspectives during the modernist period, particularly in relation to spirituality and the human experience. As traditional religious frameworks began to lose their grip on individuals, many people found themselves grappling with profound questions about existence without clear answers. This collective anxiety manifested in literature, art, and philosophy, challenging societal norms and pushing individuals toward self-exploration and personal definitions of meaning. The recognition of existential angst thus became emblematic of a broader cultural transition towards individualism and subjective truth in an increasingly complex world.

Related terms

Absurdism: A philosophical perspective that highlights the conflict between humans' search for meaning and the indifferent universe, emphasizing that life may be inherently meaningless.

Authenticity: The quality of being true to oneself and one's values, often emphasized in existentialist thought as crucial for overcoming feelings of angst.

Nihilism: The belief that life lacks intrinsic meaning or value, which can lead to feelings of despair or existential dread.