Søren Kierkegaard, a 19th-century Danish philosopher, is often considered the father of existentialism. His work explored themes of individuality, faith, anxiety, and selfhood. One of his most profound contributions to philosophy is his notion of identity, which he saw as an ongoing struggle between possibility and necessity, freedom and responsibility, self-acceptance and self-becoming. For Kierkegaard, identity is not something passively received but something actively forged through personal choices and self-awareness.
The Self as a Process, Not a Fixed State
Kierkegaard rejected the idea that identity is something static or predefined. Instead, he viewed the self as a task that must be undertaken, requiring constant reflection, action, and commitment. He argued that individuals are always in the process of becoming, and this process is deeply tied to the choices they make and the way they relate to themselves.
In The Sickness Unto Death, he describes the self as a relation that relates to itself—meaning that identity is not just something given, but something that must be consciously shaped through self-reflection and personal responsibility.
Despair and the Search for Authenticity
One of Kierkegaard’s central ideas about identity is that many people live in despair without realizing it. He believed that despair is not just sadness or depression but a deeper existential condition that arises when a person fails to live in alignment with their true self. He identified different forms of despair:
- Despair of Not Being Conscious of Having a Self – This occurs when a person lives superficially, absorbed in external distractions and societal expectations without questioning their deeper existence.
- Despair of Not Willing to Be Oneself – This happens when someone recognizes their true potential but refuses to embrace it out of fear, comfort, or societal pressure.
- Despair of Willing to Be Oneself Alone – This form of despair arises when a person insists on defining their identity without recognizing their dependence on something greater, such as God or a higher purpose.
For Kierkegaard, true identity is found when an individual confronts their despair, acknowledges their weaknesses, and actively chooses to become their most authentic self.
Freedom, Responsibility, and Faith
Kierkegaard emphasized that identity is shaped through free will and responsibility. However, with freedom comes anxiety—the burden of making meaningful choices. He referred to this as the “dizziness of freedom,” where individuals must confront the weight of their decisions and the uncertainty of life.
To fully realize one’s identity, Kierkegaard believed that a person must move beyond mere self-reliance and embrace a leap of faith—a commitment to something greater than oneself, often expressed through religious belief. He saw faith as a way of resolving existential despair and achieving a deeper sense of selfhood.
Conclusion
Kierkegaard’s notion of identity challenges the idea that people are simply products of their environment, genetics, or circumstances. Instead, he saw identity as a dynamic and personal journey, requiring self-examination, courageous choices, and a willingness to embrace both freedom and responsibility. His ideas continue to influence existentialist thought, psychology, and discussions about what it means to live authentically.
