The Sickness Unto Death

"The Sickness Unto Death" by Søren Kierkegaard explores the concept of despair as a fundamental human condition. He describes despair as a lack of alignment between the individual’s true self and their spiritual or divine nature. When a person struggles to accept or realize their true identity and purpose, they experience despair—symbolically, a kind of spiritual "sickness." Kierkegaard argues that overcoming despair requires a deep internal acknowledgment of one's relationship with God, leading to authentic selfhood. Ultimately, it's about recognizing our dependence on a higher power to find true fulfillment and stability within ourselves.