In a world overflowing with pressures and expectations, where we are constantly bombarded with images of how we “should” live, think, and feel, living authentically is a daunting challenge. Many of us find ourselves pulled between what society expects of us and our own sense of who we are—or could be. The quest for authenticity can feel like trying to swim against a powerful current, leaving us overwhelmed and exhausted. Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, often considered the father of existentialism, understood this struggle intimately.
In his profound book, The Sickness Unto Death, Kierkegaard introduces us to the concept of despair, a state of disconnection from our true self. He believed that to overcome this despair, we must live authentically. But for Kierkegaard, authenticity was not simply about rejecting superficiality or embracing our “real” selves; it was rooted in faith in God and a rejection of societal norms that often pressure us into inauthentic living. His ideas resonate deeply today, perhaps more than ever, as many people feel lost in a sea of societal expectations and consumer-driven culture.
The Struggle for Authenticity
Authenticity, according to Kierkegaard, involves more than just “being yourself.” It means being true to the deepest part of who you are, the part that is often drowned out by the noise of daily life, peer pressure, and societal norms. Kierkegaard described the self as a synthesis of the finite and the infinite—the physical, limited aspects of our existence alongside our infinite potential. To live authentically is to balance these aspects of ourselves in a meaningful way. But how do we do that in a world that often seems to push us towards conformity rather than encouraging us to explore our true potential?
Kierkegaard argued that many of us live in despair without even realising it. This despair stems from not being in alignment with our true self. We let our lives be defined by external measures—success, popularity, wealth, or power—because that’s what society tells us we should value. We fall into the trap of living according to societal norms and expectations, losing touch with our own unique identity.
In The Sickness Unto Death, Kierkegaard describes this form of despair as a kind of sickness—an inability to truly live. It’s the feeling that something essential is missing, that we’re not living up to our potential, that we’re not being who we were meant to be. This despair isn’t about visible suffering; it’s often a quiet, background noise that keeps us from feeling truly fulfilled. We might succeed in our careers, have thriving social lives, and check off all the boxes that society tells us we need to be happy, but still feel a profound emptiness.
Faith as the Path to Authenticity
So, how do we escape this despair and move towards an authentic life? For Kierkegaard, the answer lies in faith. Faith, in Kierkegaard’s view, is not about blindly following religious dogma or subscribing to rituals without understanding their meaning. Instead, faith is a deeply personal relationship with God, a relationship that provides us with a foundation upon which to build an authentic life.
To Kierkegaard, faith is a leap—a courageous commitment to something greater than ourselves. This leap is necessary because living authentically often requires us to reject the easy answers that society provides. Society wants us to fit into neat categories, to follow a predetermined script, to live in a way that is predictable and comfortable. But faith compels us to go beyond this, to face uncertainty, and to trust in something greater than what we can see or fully understand.
Faith, in this sense, isn’t just about religious belief; it’s about trusting in the unknown, embracing our limitations, and recognising that we cannot control everything. This recognition is deeply liberating because it allows us to let go of the constant striving for approval and success that keeps us in despair. Faith provides us with a sense of purpose that is not based on what others think of us, but on our relationship with God and our understanding of who we truly are.
Rejecting Societal Norms
Kierkegaard also spoke extensively about the danger of “the crowd”—the collective pressures that society places on individuals. He warned against losing oneself in the crowd, allowing societal norms to dictate our values and choices. The crowd can be a comforting place to hide; when we follow what everyone else is doing, we don’t have to take responsibility for our own actions. But this comfort comes at a cost: we lose our individuality, our uniqueness, and our ability to live authentically.
Living authentically requires us to reject these societal pressures and instead focus on what truly matters to us. This doesn’t mean rejecting society entirely or living in isolation; rather, it means questioning the values and expectations that are imposed on us and determining whether they align with our true selves.
Kierkegaard believed that to live authentically, we must be willing to stand apart from the crowd, to make decisions based on our own values and beliefs, rather than simply doing what is expected of us. This can be a lonely path at times, but it is also the only path that leads to true fulfilment.
Practical Steps to Living Authentically Through Faith
How can we apply Kierkegaard’s ideas to our own lives today? How can we move away from inauthentic living, guided by societal pressures, and toward a life that is true to who we are? Here are some practical steps inspired by Kierkegaard’s philosophy:
- Reflect on Your Values: Take time to consider what truly matters to you, beyond what society says you should value. What gives your life meaning? What makes you feel most alive? Spend time in reflection—whether through journaling, meditation, or simply taking a walk in nature—to connect with your inner self and identify what you genuinely value.
- Take the Leap of Faith: Faith, as Kierkegaard saw it, is a leap into the unknown. It means trusting in something greater than yourself, even when you can’t see the full picture. This could be a belief in God, in a higher purpose, or in the intrinsic goodness of life. Taking this leap means letting go of the need for certainty and embracing the mystery of existence.
- Question Societal Expectations: Are you living your life according to what others expect of you, or are you making choices that reflect your true self? Kierkegaard believed that societal norms often lead to inauthentic living. To live authentically, you must be willing to question those norms and make decisions based on your own beliefs and values.
- Embrace Solitude: Kierkegaard emphasised the importance of solitude in discovering one’s true self. In today’s constantly connected world, finding moments of solitude is more important than ever. Make time to disconnect from the noise of social media, news, and other external influences, and instead, listen to your inner voice. Solitude allows you to reconnect with your own thoughts and feelings, free from the influence of the crowd.
- Live with Courage: Living authentically requires courage—the courage to be different, to stand up for what you believe in, and to take responsibility for your own life. It means being willing to face the discomfort of not fitting in and the uncertainty that comes with making your own path. But it is only through this courage that you can truly become yourself.
- Nurture a Personal Relationship with God: For Kierkegaard, faith was not about following rules or rituals; it was about nurturing a personal and authentic relationship with God. This relationship provides a foundation for living authentically, giving you a sense of purpose that is not dependent on external achievements. Whether through prayer, meditation, or contemplation, find ways to connect with the divine that are meaningful to you.
Authenticity in the Modern World
In a world that often values conformity and superficial success, Kierkegaard’s call to live authentically is both radical and deeply necessary. The pressures of modern life can easily lead us into a state of despair—feeling disconnected from our true selves, lost in the pursuit of things that don’t truly fulfil us.
But Kierkegaard’s philosophy offers us a way out of this despair. By embracing faith, rejecting societal norms that do not serve us, and taking the courageous step toward living authentically, we can begin to fill the void that so many of us feel today. This isn’t an easy path; it requires us to face uncertainty, to let go of the need for approval, and to take responsibility for our own lives. But it is also the only path that leads to true fulfilment and joy.
In The Sickness Unto Death, Kierkegaard describes despair as the result of not being in alignment with our true selves. The antidote to this despair, he believed, is authenticity—living in a way that is true to who we are, guided by a relationship with God and a commitment to something greater than ourselves.
Living authentically is not about rejecting society entirely or isolating ourselves from others. It’s about finding our own way within the world—making choices that reflect our values, nurturing our relationship with the divine, and having the courage to be ourselves, even when it means standing apart from the crowd. It’s about taking the leap of faith, trusting that there is more to life than what we can see or fully understand, and embracing the mystery and beauty of existence.
In a world that often feels disconnected and superficial, Kierkegaard’s call to live authentically through faith offers a powerful and much-needed reminder of what truly matters. It’s an invitation to step away from the pressures of the crowd, to connect with our true selves, and to live a life of purpose, meaning, and genuine fulfilment.