Soren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher often regarded as the father of existentialism, once said, “What labels me, negates me.” This powerful statement invites reflection on the nature of identity, freedom, and the limitations imposed by societal labels.

The Tyranny of Labels

Labels are a common part of human communication. They serve as shortcuts to understanding complex concepts, reducing them to a single word or phrase. In society, we often label ourselves and others based on characteristics like profession, nationality, religion, political affiliation, gender, and countless other identifiers. While these labels can help foster a sense of belonging or identity, they also carry the risk of reductionism—boiling down the richness of an individual’s life and experience to a mere category.

Kierkegaard’s assertion that “What labels me, negates me” speaks to the inherent contradiction in labeling. When we label someone, we place them within the confines of a particular category, often overlooking the nuances and contradictions that make up their full identity. For example, labeling someone as a “lawyer” might conjure a certain image or set of expectations, but it doesn’t capture the entirety of their personhood—their passions, struggles, and dreams that lie outside that label.

Identity Beyond Labels

Kierkegaard was deeply concerned with the individual’s relationship to their own existence. He believed that true selfhood is something that must be constantly pursued and that it cannot be fully captured by any external label or category. To be labeled is to be confined within a box, and for Kierkegaard, this confinement is a form of negation—it denies the fluidity and dynamism that constitute true human existence.

This idea resonates with the existentialist belief in the importance of individual freedom. Existentialists argue that we are not defined by any predetermined essence; instead, we create our essence through our actions and choices. When society imposes a label on someone, it attempts to fix their essence, denying the individual’s freedom to define themselves.

The Danger of Self-Labeling

Kierkegaard’s insight extends beyond the labels others place on us; it also applies to the labels we place on ourselves. Self-labeling can be a way of seeking security or belonging, but it can also be limiting. When we define ourselves too rigidly, we risk closing off parts of our identity that don’t fit the label. For instance, if someone identifies solely as an “artist,” they might neglect other aspects of their personality or interests that don’t align with this label.

Moreover, self-labeling can lead to self-negation when the label no longer fits or when it becomes a source of internal conflict. The pressure to live up to a label can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of inadequacy or inauthenticity when one’s true self diverges from the label’s expectations.

Embracing the Complexity of Being

To truly understand and embrace Kierkegaard’s statement, it is necessary to acknowledge the complexity and fluidity of human identity. Instead of relying on labels, we must recognize that each person is a unique, evolving being whose identity cannot be fully captured by any single word or category. This perspective encourages us to approach ourselves and others with humility, curiosity, and an openness to the ever-changing nature of life.

In practical terms, this means resisting the urge to box ourselves or others into rigid categories. It means allowing for contradictions, embracing the multiplicity of our experiences, and understanding that who we are is something far more profound and expansive than any label could ever convey.

Conclusion

Kierkegaard’s assertion, “What labels me, negates me,” challenges us to rethink the way we perceive identity. It invites us to move beyond the limitations of labels and to embrace the complexity, fluidity, and freedom that define human existence. By doing so, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, fostering a world where individuals are valued not for the labels they wear but for the rich, multifaceted beings they truly are.