Anxiety is central to existentialist thought. It is not just a passing emotion but a fundamental part of human existence. Existentialist philosophers argue that anxiety arises from freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning. Unlike everyday stress, existential anxiety is deeper. It forces individuals to confront uncertainty, mortality, and the weight of their choices. Thinkers like Kierkegaard, Heidegger, and Sartre explored how anxiety shapes human experience. They saw it as both a burden and an opportunity for growth. Understanding anxiety through an existentialist lens helps us face life with greater awareness and authenticity.
Defining Existentialism
Core Concepts of Existentialism
Existentialism is a philosophical movement that focuses on individual freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning in an indifferent or even chaotic world. It rejects the idea that humans are born with a predefined purpose. Instead, it asserts that meaning must be created through personal choices and actions. This philosophy emphasizes subjective experience, arguing that each person must define their own values rather than rely on external authorities like religion, tradition, or societal norms.
A key aspect of existentialism is its focus on authenticity. To live authentically means to act in accordance with one’s true self rather than conforming to external pressures. However, this freedom comes with anxiety, as individuals must take full responsibility for their choices. Existentialists also explore concepts such as absurdity, the tension between meaning-seeking humans and a world that offers no inherent meaning, and alienation, the feeling of being disconnected from oneself or society. These themes shape how existentialists understand human existence.
Key Philosophers and Their Contributions
Several major philosophers have contributed to existentialist thought. Søren Kierkegaard, often called the “father of existentialism,” emphasized the role of faith and personal commitment in facing existential anxiety. He introduced the concept of “angst,” a deep-seated anxiety that arises when individuals confront their own freedom and responsibility. Unlike ordinary fear, angst is not tied to any specific object but to the realization of one’s uncertain existence.
Friedrich Nietzsche challenged traditional moral values and declared that “God is dead,” arguing that individuals must create their own values in a world without inherent meaning. Later thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Martin Heidegger expanded existentialist ideas. Sartre introduced the idea that “existence precedes essence,” meaning people are not born with a defined nature but must shape their own identity through choices. Heidegger explored “being-toward-death,” the idea that awareness of mortality drives individuals to live more meaningfully. Each of these philosophers contributed to the understanding of anxiety and its connection to human freedom.
The Nature of Anxiety
Definition and Types of Anxiety
Anxiety is a state of unease, often accompanied by worry, fear, or nervousness. In psychological terms, it is a response to perceived threats, whether real or imagined. Anxiety can be mild, like the nervousness before a speech, or severe, such as in anxiety disorders that interfere with daily life. Philosophers, however, view anxiety differently. Existentialist thinkers argue that anxiety is not just an emotional state but a fundamental part of human existence. Unlike fear, which has a clear object, existential anxiety arises from the uncertainty of life itself.
There are different types of anxiety. Everyday anxiety is linked to specific situations—stress at work, financial worries, or health concerns. Clinical anxiety, studied in psychology, includes disorders like generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Existential anxiety, however, is deeper. It emerges when individuals confront their own mortality, the meaning (or lack thereof) of life, and the burden of personal freedom. This type of anxiety is not something to be eliminated but understood, as it plays a key role in existentialist philosophy.
How Anxiety Relates to Human Experience
Anxiety is not just a philosophical concept; it is deeply woven into human experience. From childhood to old age, people face uncertainties that provoke anxiety. This can come from major life decisions, relationships, career paths, or even questioning one’s place in the universe. Unlike fear, which comes from external dangers, existential anxiety comes from within. It arises when individuals realize that life has no built-in meaning and that they alone are responsible for shaping their existence.
Existentialist philosophers argue that this anxiety is not entirely negative. While it can be overwhelming, it also serves as a wake-up call. It forces individuals to confront their freedom and responsibility. Rather than avoiding this anxiety, existentialism encourages people to embrace it and use it as motivation to live authentically. By accepting anxiety as part of existence, individuals can make more conscious and meaningful choices, rather than falling into societal expectations or passive living.
The Connection Between Anxiety and Existentialism
#1. Anxiety as an Existential Condition
Existentialist philosophers argue that anxiety is not an abnormality to be cured but an essential part of human existence. Søren Kierkegaard, one of the earliest existentialists, described anxiety as “the dizziness of freedom.” He believed that when people become aware of their ability to make choices, they experience a deep, unsettling anxiety. This is because every decision carries the weight of responsibility, and there is no predetermined path to follow. Unlike fear, which has a clear object, existential anxiety comes from within and is linked to the uncertainty of life itself.
Jean-Paul Sartre expanded on this idea, suggesting that anxiety arises because humans exist in a world without inherent meaning. He argued that people are “condemned to be free,” meaning they must define their own values and purpose. This absolute freedom brings anxiety because every individual is responsible for shaping their own destiny. Existentialist thought does not see anxiety as something to eliminate but as a necessary aspect of being human.
#2. Existential Anxiety and Authenticity
Existentialists emphasize the importance of authenticity—living in accordance with one’s true self rather than conforming to societal expectations. However, achieving authenticity is difficult because it requires facing existential anxiety head-on. Many people avoid this anxiety by immersing themselves in distractions, routine, or social roles that provide a false sense of security. Martin Heidegger referred to this avoidance as “fallenness,” where individuals lose themselves in conventional ways of thinking and acting.
To live authentically, one must confront existential anxiety instead of fleeing from it. Sartre introduced the concept of “bad faith,” where individuals deceive themselves to escape responsibility. For example, someone might claim they “have no choice” but to follow a particular career path, ignoring their ability to make a different decision. Authentic living requires accepting the uncertainty and anxiety that come with freedom and using it as a guide to making meaningful choices.
#3. The Role of Freedom in Existential Anxiety
Freedom is at the core of existentialist philosophy, but it is also a major source of anxiety. With no preordained structure to life, individuals must create their own meaning. This radical freedom means that every choice is significant, and there is no external authority to provide certainty. Kierkegaard described this as a terrifying realization because it forces people to acknowledge their responsibility for their own lives.
Sartre echoed this view, arguing that people often try to escape the burden of freedom by relying on external structures—social norms, religious dogma, or traditional values. However, this avoidance leads to a life of inauthenticity. Existentialists believe that embracing anxiety is necessary to live freely and meaningfully. The discomfort of existential anxiety is the price of true autonomy.
#4. Kierkegaard’s Concept of “Angst”
Søren Kierkegaard introduced the concept of “angst” to describe the deep, unsettling anxiety that arises when people recognize their freedom and responsibility. Unlike ordinary fear, angst does not stem from external threats but from the realization of life’s uncertainty. This anxiety occurs when individuals see that they are not bound by any predetermined essence and must take full responsibility for their choices.
Kierkegaard saw angst as both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, it can be paralyzing, making people feel lost and uncertain. On the other hand, it is a necessary step toward personal growth and faith. He believed that embracing angst could lead individuals to take a “leap of faith”—a commitment to something greater, whether religious or personal, that gives life meaning. This perspective influenced later existentialists who explored the role of anxiety in self-discovery.
#5. Sartre’s View on Existential Anxiety
Jean-Paul Sartre built on Kierkegaard’s ideas but removed the religious element. He argued that existential anxiety comes from the realization that “existence precedes essence.” In other words, people are not born with a predefined nature; they must create their own identity through choices. This freedom is both liberating and deeply unsettling because it means there is no ultimate guide to right or wrong decisions.
Sartre introduced the idea of “nausea,” a feeling of deep discomfort that arises when one fully grasps the absurdity of existence. This nausea is closely linked to anxiety, as both emerge from the confrontation with life’s lack of inherent meaning. Sartre believed that people often try to escape this anxiety through “bad faith,” deceiving themselves into believing they have no control over their actions. However, he insisted that facing this anxiety honestly is the only way to live authentically.
#6. Anxiety and the Absurd
Existentialist thinkers, especially Albert Camus, explored the concept of the absurd—the conflict between humans’ desire for meaning and the universe’s apparent indifference. Camus argued that this realization leads to existential anxiety because people seek purpose in a world that does not provide clear answers. This tension creates what he called “the absurd condition.”
Camus proposed three responses to this absurdity: suicide, belief in an external meaning (such as religion), or acceptance of the absurd. He rejected the first two and argued for the third—embracing life’s lack of inherent meaning while still living with passion and purpose. He described this as “revolt” against the absurd, which does not eliminate anxiety but transforms it into a source of personal strength.
#7. Existential Anxiety and Escape from Responsibility
Many people try to escape existential anxiety by surrendering their freedom to external forces. Heidegger described this as living in “das Man,” or the impersonal “they,” where individuals follow societal norms without questioning them. This provides temporary comfort but leads to an inauthentic existence. People avoid making difficult choices by convincing themselves that they must follow predetermined roles or expectations.
Sartre called this self-deception “bad faith.” For example, a person may stay in an unfulfilling job or relationship because they believe they have no other option. In reality, they are choosing passivity over responsibility. Existentialism challenges individuals to confront their anxiety, accept their freedom, and take responsibility for their actions, even when doing so is uncomfortable.
#8. The Transformative Potential of Existential Anxiety
Although existential anxiety is often seen as distressing, existentialists argue that it has the potential to be transformative. When people acknowledge their anxiety instead of avoiding it, they can use it as motivation for self-discovery and personal growth. Rather than viewing anxiety as a sign of weakness, existentialists see it as a sign of awareness.
Nietzsche, for example, encouraged people to embrace discomfort and struggle as part of self-overcoming. He believed that individuals grow stronger by confronting life’s difficulties rather than avoiding them. Similarly, Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist influenced by existentialism, argued that people can find meaning even in suffering. By facing existential anxiety honestly, individuals can live with greater purpose and authenticity.
#9. The Universal Nature of Existential Anxiety
Existential anxiety is not limited to philosophers or intellectuals—it is a universal human experience. People from all walks of life face moments of doubt, uncertainty, and fear about their future. Whether through major life decisions, career changes, or personal crises, everyone encounters situations that force them to confront their freedom and responsibility.
This universality suggests that existential anxiety is not an abnormal condition but an essential part of being human. Recognizing this can help individuals feel less isolated in their struggles. Existentialists do not offer easy solutions but encourage people to see anxiety as a natural response to life’s uncertainties. Rather than suppressing it, individuals can use it as a tool for deeper reflection and growth.
#10. Overcoming Existential Anxiety
Existentialists do not suggest that anxiety can—or should—be eliminated. Instead, they advocate for embracing it as part of human existence. The key is not to let anxiety lead to paralysis but to use it as a guide for making meaningful choices. Living authentically means accepting uncertainty and acting with purpose despite it.
Some existentialists, like Camus, suggest that laughter and defiance in the face of absurdity can be powerful responses. Others, like Frankl, emphasize the importance of finding personal meaning. While existential anxiety never disappears completely, understanding it can make it less overwhelming. By accepting anxiety as part of life, individuals can engage with the world more fully and authentically.
Conclusion
Existential anxiety is not a flaw but a fundamental part of human existence. It arises from the awareness of freedom, responsibility, and the lack of inherent meaning in life. Philosophers like Kierkegaard, Sartre, and Camus explored how anxiety shapes identity, authenticity, and personal growth. Rather than escaping it, existentialists argue that embracing anxiety leads to a more meaningful life. While it may never disappear, understanding its role can help individuals navigate uncertainty with greater awareness. By accepting anxiety as part of existence, people can move beyond fear and live with purpose, responsibility, and a deeper sense of self.