In today’s world, we have more choices available to us than ever before. We can choose our careers, where we live, who we connect with, what we consume, and how we define our lives—all at the click of a button. From the seemingly small decisions of what to watch on Netflix or what to order for dinner, to the more life-defining choices like career paths, relationships, and lifestyles—every moment is filled with decisions that demand our attention. And while this abundance of choice might seem like a gift, it often feels like a burden. In this age of limitless options, many people find themselves feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and, strangely enough, paralysed by their own freedom.
The Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard had something to say about this. Long before the age of streaming services, online dating apps, and consumer overload, Kierkegaard explored the concept of anxiety in relation to human freedom. In his book, The Sickness Unto Death, he explores despair and how it stems from a disconnection between the self and the infinite. Kierkegaard’s exploration of choice and freedom remains strikingly relevant, offering us insight into why the possibilities in our modern world can feel like an unbearable weight.
The "Dizziness of Freedom"
Kierkegaard coined the phrase “the dizziness of freedom” to describe the feeling that comes when we realise the vastness of our potential choices. Unlike animals that act out of instinct or follow a prescribed course, human beings have the power to choose their paths. This freedom is what makes us unique, but it’s also the source of our deepest anxieties. For Kierkegaard, freedom is not always exhilarating—sometimes, it’s downright terrifying. The recognition of the vast range of possibilities can lead to a kind of existential vertigo, where we struggle with the sheer responsibility of choosing a direction.
Think about standing at the edge of a cliff, looking down. The fear you feel isn’t just the fear of falling; it’s also the awareness that you have the power to jump. This feeling—that anxiety over your own ability to make a choice, over the boundless nature of possibilities—is what Kierkegaard refers to as the dizziness of freedom. We often think of anxiety as something that happens to us, as something triggered by outside events. Kierkegaard, however, sees anxiety as an internal condition, something that emerges out of our very nature as beings with free will. In other words, anxiety is a product of our freedom.
The Paradox of Choice in the Modern World
Kierkegaard’s understanding of freedom and anxiety resonates deeply with our modern experience, particularly in a culture that often equates more choices with greater happiness. But, as many of us know all too well, having too many choices can lead to paralysis rather than empowerment.
Take, for instance, a simple decision like choosing a TV show to watch. In the past, you had only a few channels to pick from, and your decision was limited by what was airing at that time. Today, with streaming platforms offering thousands of shows, movies, and documentaries, what should be a simple, enjoyable choice often turns into an exhausting process. You may end up spending more time scrolling through the options than actually watching something. And even if you do settle on a show, you might find yourself wondering if there was a better choice out there, something you missed.
Now, imagine that on a much grander scale—career paths, relationships, where to live, what to do with your life. The feeling of not knowing whether you’re making the “right” choice can be debilitating. With so many possibilities available to us, we can end up feeling trapped in a loop of indecision, terrified of making the wrong choice and regretting it later.
This modern paralysis of choice isn’t just about minor inconveniences; it’s deeply tied to our sense of purpose and meaning. The pressure to make the “perfect” decision creates a constant state of anxiety. We want to make the choice that aligns with our best possible life, yet the sheer number of options makes it almost impossible to know which direction is truly right for us.
Kierkegaard’s Insight—Embracing the Leap of Faith
Kierkegaard believed that the only way to navigate this anxiety of freedom is by making what he called a “leap of faith.” This doesn’t necessarily mean a religious leap, though it can be that for some. Instead, it’s about committing to a choice without having complete certainty. It’s about embracing the unknown and making a decision despite the fear and ambiguity that accompany it.
Kierkegaard argued that it’s impossible to make every decision from a place of certainty and that waiting for perfect clarity before acting leads only to stagnation. He encouraged individuals to take responsibility for their choices, to embrace their freedom fully, and to make a leap of faith, knowing that anxiety is simply part of the human experience.
In a world that often emphasises careful planning, informed decisions, and certainty, Kierkegaard’s approach might seem counterintuitive. But his insight is that certainty is an illusion—we can never fully know what’s ahead. Life is inherently uncertain, and if we wait for the perfect moment to make a decision, we risk letting life pass us by.
This leap of faith requires trust—not necessarily in a divine being (though for Kierkegaard, faith in God is central) but in ourselves and in the journey we choose to undertake. It means letting go of the need to have all the answers and instead embracing the vulnerability that comes with being a free, choosing individual.
Choosing Oneself
Another important aspect of Kierkegaard’s philosophy is the idea of “choosing oneself.” This means making decisions that align with your true values, not just following what society, family, or peers expect of you. It’s about being authentic and taking ownership of your life, rather than letting external factors dictate who you become.
In the face of endless choices, it’s easy to default to what seems popular or expected. We see others pursuing certain paths—choosing particular careers, lifestyles, or relationships—and we feel compelled to follow suit, fearing that if we make a different choice, we’re making the wrong one. But Kierkegaard emphasises that true freedom comes from choosing based on who we are, not based on what others expect.
This kind of authenticity is not easy. It requires self-examination, courage, and a willingness to confront the anxiety that comes with going against the grain. It means making peace with the idea that there is no universal “right” choice—only the choice that is right for you.
Finding Meaning in the Midst of Anxiety
Kierkegaard’s ideas provide us with a way to find meaning even in the midst of anxiety. Anxiety is not something to be eliminated or avoided at all costs. Instead, it’s a sign that we are confronting the realities of freedom and the responsibilities that come with it. To experience anxiety is, in a way, to be fully alive, to be conscious of the weight of our choices.
In The Sickness Unto Death, Kierkegaard discusses despair as a disconnection from our true selves, a failure to fully embrace who we are meant to be. He suggests that the way out of this despair is not through avoiding difficult choices or trying to eliminate anxiety but by leaning into these experiences. By facing our freedom head-on, by choosing ourselves, and by taking leaps of faith, we move closer to a life of authenticity and meaning.
In today’s world, where we are bombarded by messages about what we should do, who we should be, and what will make us happy, Kierkegaard’s message is both challenging and liberating. It’s challenging because it asks us to take full responsibility for our lives, to confront the anxiety that comes with freedom, and to make choices that align with our true selves rather than simply following the crowd. But it’s also liberating because it reminds us that the burden of finding the “perfect” path is not ours to bear. There is no perfect path—there is only the path we choose, the leap of faith we take.
Reclaiming Our Freedom
Kierkegaard’s exploration of freedom, choice, and anxiety is incredibly relevant in our modern context of endless possibilities. His insights remind us that while the burden of freedom can be overwhelming, it’s also what makes life meaningful. The anxiety that accompanies our choices is not a sign that something is wrong; it’s a sign that we are confronting what it means to be truly human.
Instead of viewing our freedom as a source of paralysis, we can begin to see it as an opportunity—to define ourselves, to take risks, and to create a life that is genuinely our own. In a world full of options, Kierkegaard challenges us to choose ourselves, to make decisions not out of fear but out of authenticity, and to find meaning in the leaps of faith we take every day. The burden of freedom may be heavy, but it is also the foundation of a life lived fully and meaningfully.