#existential anxiety

but there's another line that encapsulates Owen's fear/anxiety and his decision to stay closeted

"it's not real if i don't think about it"

The philosophy of angst explores the existential experience of deep, often vague anxiety about one’s life, purpose, and place in the world. Rooted in existentialism, the concept of angst was extensively discussed by philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard, Martin Heidegger, and later Jean-Paul Sartre, as a fundamental feeling that confronts individuals with the freedom and burden of their own existence.

Key Themes in the Philosophy of Angst

Existential Anxiety: Angst is different from ordinary fear, which has a specific object or threat. Existential angst arises without a clear reason; it is a sense of profound unease about existence itself. This kind of anxiety questions the stability of one’s identity, meaning, and purpose, often triggered by the awareness of one’s freedom and isolation.

Freedom and Responsibility: In existential philosophy, angst is often a response to the realization of one’s freedom. With unlimited choices comes the weight of responsibility, as each choice shapes one's identity and values. Angst confronts the individual with the vast, open-ended possibilities of existence, making them aware that their life has no inherent script.

Heidegger’s Concept of Angst: Heidegger, in Being and Time, describes angst as the feeling that arises when Dasein (human existence) confronts its own nothingness, or the absence of fixed meaning. For Heidegger, angst reveals the “nothingness” underlying existence, forcing Dasein to come to terms with the groundlessness of being and the need to define oneself through authentic choices.

Kierkegaard’s Concept of Angst: Kierkegaard, one of the earliest philosophers to discuss angst, saw it as a “dizziness of freedom.” He argued that angst arises from the individual’s potential to act freely and to shape their existence in different ways. This freedom leads to a feeling of dread as one realizes the responsibility to make meaningful choices without guaranteed outcomes.

Angst and the Absurd: Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus later explored angst in the context of the absurd—life’s inherent lack of meaning or purpose. For Sartre, angst emerges from the realization that individuals must create their own values in a world devoid of predetermined purpose, while Camus explored how angst challenges one to confront or rebel against the absurdity of existence.

Authenticity and Inauthenticity: For existentialists, confronting angst is an opportunity to live authentically, recognizing one’s freedom and limitations. Authenticity involves accepting one’s existential anxiety and living in a way that reflects one’s true self, rather than conforming to societal expectations. Inauthenticity, by contrast, is when one evades angst by losing oneself in social roles, routines, or distractions.

Death and Finitude: Angst often arises from a deep awareness of mortality and finitude, as the individual confronts the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. This confrontation with death challenges people to live fully and meaningfully, emphasizing the importance of present choices and the uniqueness of one’s existence.

Philosophical Implications of Angst

Awareness of Mortality: Angst makes individuals more acutely aware of death and finitude, compelling them to reflect on how they live and what they value. This awareness is central to existential ethics, which emphasizes living consciously and fully in light of life’s impermanence.

Existential Freedom and Responsibility: Angst underscores the weight of existential freedom, highlighting that humans are responsible for their actions and the direction of their lives. This freedom is simultaneously liberating and burdensome, as individuals realize that they alone are accountable for creating meaning in an indifferent world.

Rejection of Predefined Meaning: Angst challenges the notion that life has an inherent or universal meaning, urging individuals to look inward for purpose and value. This perspective encourages a personal, subjective approach to ethics and identity, grounded in one’s unique experiences and aspirations.

The Need for Authenticity: Confronting angst can lead to a more authentic mode of existence, where individuals embrace their individuality, uncertainty, and freedom. Authenticity involves rejecting conformity and embracing a life that reflects one’s true values and beliefs, even in the face of anxiety and doubt.

It’s so weird… thinking that our world is the more happier one… we’re no one actually dies, and where we manage to still be friends.

Existential anxiety, at its core, revolves around the deep uncertainties that arise from our human condition: the quest for meaning, the inevitability of death, the nature of freedom, and the challenges of isolation. When seen through the lens of schizoid tendencies, these concerns can become profound driving forces that shape behavior, perception, and interactions. Let's explore the significance of existential anxiety in those with schizoid tendencies.

1. The Quest for Meaning and Identity:

For many with schizoid tendencies, there's a fundamental sense of 'drift' or a feeling of not truly knowing oneself. This disconnection from a core sense of self can intensify existential anxieties. The world becomes a place where they're searching not just for external meaning but also a consistent internal narrative. This search often becomes a central theme, pushing them to introspection and sometimes further withdrawal.

2. Fear of Engulfment:

One of the core features of existential anxiety is the dread of losing one's unique identity. Schizoid individuals often manifest this fear as a pronounced fear of 'engulfment', where they're afraid that getting too close to someone or forming attachments will erase their sense of self. It's as if their boundaries are porous, and they must guard against external influences overpowering their innermost identity.

3. Solitude vs. Isolation:

Solitude can be a choice, a moment of reflection, and personal growth. However, when combined with schizoid tendencies and existential anxiety, solitude can morph into isolation. This self-imposed isolation arises from a desire to confront or escape from life's inherent uncertainties. While solitude can offer a sanctuary from the overwhelming nature of existence, it can also exacerbate feelings of loneliness and the sense of being an outsider looking in.

4. The Nature of Freedom:

While freedom is often seen as a positive aspect of human existence, it comes with the responsibility of choice. Schizoid individuals, dealing with existential concerns, might find this freedom burdensome. The need to consistently define and redefine oneself, especially when one's sense of self is already shaky, can be a heavy weight to bear.

5. Confronting Mortality:

Existential anxiety invariably brings us face to face with our mortality. Schizoid tendencies, with their introspective nature, often mean that individuals ruminate more on the nature of life and death. Their internal world becomes a theater where they play out various scenarios, confront their fears, and grapple with the idea of life's transience.

Summary:

Existential anxiety is not exclusive to those with schizoid tendencies; it's a part of the human condition. However, in individuals with schizoid tendencies, this anxiety finds unique expressions and plays a significant role in shaping their worldviews. Understanding this can provide a compassionate lens through which to support and empathize with individuals navigating these deep waters of existence.