Søren Kierkegaard and The Value of Despair

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[@academyofideas]

Access 45+ membership videos (more added each month): academyofideas.com/members/ Sign up with Paypal, Credit Card or Bitcoin. Thank you for the support!

[@zur137]

Could you put together a reading list on your website for members?

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We have one here: academyofideas.com/books

[@michaeljensen4650]

Great character is not merely a striving for mastery and self actualization but of letting go of all those things which keep us from being true to ourselves and living an authentic life.

[@migueladrianvalevelazquez8703]

Never stop making videos!!

[@lorrainewilliams7896]

I found your choice of visuals particularly frustrating. There are far more races than the one you chose.

[@jamesbotwina8744]

Kierkegaard really makes you feel like you have a duty to be your best.

[@c.galindo9639]

Just like Friedrich Nietzsche

[@mementomori8991]

@@c.galindo9639 I don't know about that.

[@c.galindo9639]

@@mementomori8991 depends on the person’s views on the matter

[@georgethakur]

What do you mean "feel like"? I lived 20 years like a shell of a person, I can tell you if you're not doing that, you're headed straight towards hell. Things DO NOT stand still-they constantly move. The only thing you can control is their direction. If you're not constantly holding the wheel-because there is no autopilot-it turns automatically towards hell.

[@c.galindo9639]

@@georgethakur no way

[@timr3621]

So much wisdom compressed into almost 13 minutes... Wow. This is the top quality side of KZbin, thank you so much for your work!

[@easterlee2143]

I agree with you.

[@everyman1]

One of the best channels!

[@Richard-1776]

He is good. This is a quality channel.

[@antidepressant11]

My sentiments exactly. Try reading this book by yourself and you will truly end up in despair. The actual message is great but Kierkegaard's convoluted complex style of writing gets irritating after a while. We need commentators like this. Thanks.

[@EzTac]

This is internet being used as an actual tool. Definitely the better side like you've said. I can't stand the amount of time many people use the internet for strictly entertainment

[@TheJester-ct5pi]

I go to work and people talk about football, latest television show on Netflix, trending videogames and streamers - everyone consumes and is consumed by entertainment, no one seems to strive towards becoming anything other than a domesticated herd animal. An entire generation under the spell of despair without even realizing it

[@djn48]

Excellent comment! So glad to know that I'm not the only one who sees the power that entertainment has over us. That doesn't mean that we should never be entertained (what a tedious life that would be), but it does mean that we should stop treating entertainment as a form of self-medication. Also, we need to be aware of how the entertainment we choose unconsciously influences our worldview.

[@jameshuckvale7685]

Not me I've been in despair my whole life. It wasn't until I realized I was a fraud I understood why. Self observation is my work now. I don't have time for bullshit anymore like TV, entertainment etc..

[@jakobjakob1167]

Be the change you want to see in the world. If nobody does, you should start to talk with the people around about more meaningful topics, you will probably find like-minded people

[@deerylou7112]

@@jameshuckvale7685 You sound like a man worth knowing. Great comment James 💕

[@shikharrawat6650]

@@jameshuckvale7685 Even I've been in despair all my life and even I realised I was a fraud. I try self observation, Ive tried complete abstinence from entertainment as I realised I was using it to distract myself from my real world problems. I've tried dopamine detox as well. I seem to know and realise everything but still I can't stick to it. I start to work hard and not let despair hinder my progress but it's the same story everytime. I start doubting everything and then everything seems worthless. Can you teach me how you did it master?

[@Dan-ud8hz]

“It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” ― J. Krishnamurti

[@johnadams1362]

And you make up society, congratulations, you are what you look down upon.

[@Dan-ud8hz]

@@johnadams1362 Try harder "genius"

[@Dan-ud8hz]

@@johnadams1362 Go learn words.

[@johnadams1362]

@John Collins taking that perspective, I see how you'd come to that. I didn't want to be oppositional in my statement. I was only pointing out that I too, detest the constant that is society, but approach it with the fact that I make up society myself. So.... If we are the make up of a structure we don't condone, all of us need to recognize the problem from a universal eye, by identifying and defining ourselves AS the problem. If we can't change anything but ourselves anyway, idk I see a perfect opportunity in this misunderstanding. Who am I kidding I honestly don't give a fuck. Touche people, touche.

[@moisesjimenez4391]

@@johnadams1362 he was never denying responsibility, just quoting someone on advice that is now necessary more than ever before

[@mayenn2006]

It's exciting to read through this comment section and just know that somewhere out there, there are people who are like minded enough to be interested in videos of this nature. The world feels significantly less wide and lonely.

[@deprivedoftrance]

It's true.

[@craven5328]

A very good point I can empathize with. Wishing you well internet stranger.

[@jennystone421]

"There is no reason to despair, if one is in existential despair." Ha. Nice. So much of our suffering comes from our reactions to our own feelings.

[@napoleongeneralo7726]

Absolutely!!!

[@ReallyRedPanda]

Today I've made it to the end of my 26th birthday, an emotional wreck. A wild bout of deep depression clocked me round the temples from the moment I woke up and I couldn't shake it off even as family and friends wished me happy birthday and a joyful time. The universe must have some kind of dark humour to have brought me here, in this exact moment, 19th of October - I got the notification for this video after yet another round of crying. Thank you, Academy of Ideas, for posting this video which, I think, isn't the birthday present I wanted but it is the one I desperately _needed_ .

[@farrellballettheatre8395]

Happy birthday to you ......💫✨

[@Ruylopez778]

Yeah, you're just a Libra, and that's how it is. It's good and it's bad.

[@jakobjakob1167]

@@Ruylopez778 you cant be serious dude

[@standowner6979]

@@jakobjakob1167 Unfortunately he might be

[@yulongwang6342]

i wish you well brother

[@ahmedichou6672]

"For what will it profit a man if he gains the world, but loses his soul?" -The Book of Matthew This quote is just awesome 💖

[@theluckycharms81592]

Its actually Mark 8:36, i looked it up just right now because I wanted to know the exact verse. :)

[@MrLaggan]

Thankyou no disrespect to philosophy but let God be true and every man a liar

[@no-one-knows321]

What evolutionist even believes they have a soul? Might have something to do with current issues.

[@eleftorios2705]

It is no longer i who live but Christ who liveth in me. A lifelong process of death to SELF. In pursuit of the highest calling to know Gods Will + be in communion with Him through Jesus Christ. This is our Creators plan. We are His dream. He is the Potter we are the clay. Jesus a Man , the only begotten Son of God well acquainted with grief. His Holy Spirit comforts us even in the darkest,deepest times.though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death........ psalm 23......

[@joelunruh6534]

@@MrLaggan amen

[@fisher3123]

Thank you for these videos. Seriously can’t tell you how much I’ve gained from them all.

[@TheDreamDetective888]

Ditto. Respect

Exactly! Thank you to creators of these videos. They helped me change my life in ways which would either last entire life time or would never even occur to me.

[@Joaquin2028]

Totally agree

[@carmenfonseca3727]

Words cant explain how valuable this information is. Changing my mindset for the better.

[@gokss1972]

Always remember. That everyone you meet is going through a battle. Be kind, it might change their life.

[@truenorthaffirmations7049]

Same direction different paths..CONNECTION

[@user-vl7nu5pr2e]

That's entirely not true and the opposite of that mentioned in this video. If everyone were in a battle, voluntarily chosen, they will not be in despair.

[@user-vl7nu5pr2e]

The point of the video is that the majority of people, in conformity, choose to NOT engage in a battle. And because of that they are in despair.

[@ofuel8037]

@@user-vl7nu5pr2e , spot on!

[@rd-od6uj]

Sonder

[@NeewVogue]

“That one is in despir is not a rarity; no, it is rare, very rare, that one is ... not is despair. “ 🙏🙏🙏

[@warbear55122]

Quotes Dr Seuss

[@JokerisWild4]

This is more the personality trait Neuroticism, where someone is always in despair. Kierkegaard was extremely neurotic.

[@2drewbaker]

When I come across a word like this, (despair), I take the word apart..in this case, since it is of two parts,..I dis-paired it.

[@935pm2]

It's for the duration of your life on this planet that you're a totally vulnerable being. Because you unconsciously recognize this, you unconsciously despair.

[@metamorphosis_77]

For Kierkegaard, struggle, despair, and the constant fight with the self was something like a vocation, a full time intellectual job so to speak. Nonetheless, it was his fuel and what transformed him into an intellectual powerhouse. He is a great philosopher because he shows you how despair can shape you instead of enfeeble (weaken) you.

[@dattagrace]

All the words of all languages in the entire world are not enough to express my gratitude for the work you do. Take a bow 🙇‍♂️

[@billycox475]

This really is an amazing channel.

[@oneworldonehome]

“The escape from Hell to Heaven is the escape from personal fantasy into meaningful relationship with life. What is Hell but obsession with oneself? What is Heaven but the full involvement with life as an integral part of its overall expression. Heaven and Hell are something you will experience day to day and even moment to moment, depending upon where you stand.” *Steps to Knowledge - The Book of Inner Knowing*

[@truenorthaffirmations7049]

Truth....

[@andrewgarrett3573]

This book is powerful and this quote is truth. I've seen enough of hell to want this Heaven.

[@Autojones]

" The wise man knows not what it is to live in hope or fear." ~ Seneca. " Things that we dread sink into nothing and things that we hope for mock us." ~ Seneca. " When ideas serve us we live, when we serve ideas we die." ~ Clair H Horner. " With the right attitude, self imposed limitations vanish." ~ Alexander the great.

[@NothingHumanisAlientoMe]

"I don't drink coffee, I drown in Coffee" - Jacc Due Mohn

[@hgcalben8241]

Your breakdown of Soren Kierkegaard was so well done.

[@thealchemist7819]

These guys really are a channel, or a portal, or both. Their timing is always impeccable and this synchronistic theme seems more common amongst the commenters with every new video. Thank you for all that you do, lads. I and the other humans becoming are in your debt.

[@easterlee2143]

Thank you for saying this. Stay safe. ;))

[@JAZ-qk9eb]

I know right?? They always upload when I need it the most, absolutely grateful for that

[@LuckyYonaJr]

You need to open a bar in a convenient metropolitan city. We all have assigned readings and sit down at 8:30pm, away from the rest of the world and contemplate these things together. I’d invest

[@dipeshduwal3234]

It does not even need to be in a bar. We can conduct an online meeting so that people from all around the world can join. We can have our own drinks with us.

[@dochmbi]

You don't sit around and contemplate this stuff. You put it into action. You grind your purpose every single day. Sitting around and talking and enjoying drinks will not lead to fulfillment. Grinding towards your goals will

[@iPostiPodiEatiYuri]

@@dochmbi based

[@mr.nobody7958]

Count me in.

[@sophist7070]

In Amsterdam we have the Embassy of the Free Mind. It has Wisdom lounges that you can use. Or a cafe should you require refreshments. An amazing collection of philosophical works. In a historical setting and ambience. Once the covid dust settles, I'll see you guys there!

[@saagarshah8399]

I have lived with bouts of intermittent severe depression for most of my adult life and know the feeling of despair very well. I just feel that if life ends at death, it is absurd. All the struggle and suffering we go through is for nothing ultimately. This thought brings me so much despair. It hampers my ability to thrive in the world.

[@judeconradfrancis]

i have the same thoughts..

[@saagarshah8399]

How do you cope with the despairing thoughts?

[@user-lu5qj2hg2b]

@@saagarshah8399 by realising that even happiness is ultimately nothing!!!!!!!

[@fatimamelo3858]

I found answers to my dispair, but everything will continue to be the same! The people and culture we live,mostly goes after the materialistic quest to be happy!? Look at the state of the world?!😢😊

[@craven5328]

I used to think something similar, but then I stumbled on Albert Camus (more of an absurdist than existentialist) and had a comforting thought: If there is no true, objective meaning, then I'm somewhat free to decide what is meaningful to me. ...And then I got into Monty Python, and discovered the absurdities of life can sometimes be pretty comical.

[@pajotrus]

for some reason, excerpts from Kierkegaard always speak to me the most. they hit different.

[@breeze8065]

Take this moment to truly thank this channel for the amazing content and perfect delivery. Shoutout to the narrator. Much

[@AbhiBass96]

You don't know how much Kierkegaard means to me... The fact I just scoured the net searching for despair and Kierkegaard and your video pops up... You have made my year

[@easterlee2143]

Thank you for your comment. :) Take care.

[@bogaziciliceohaluk]

exactly how i feel. 1 - nietszche 2- kierkegard / the men who lead us to the salvation and the higher realm

[@RocketKirchner]

Kierkegaard said that existence is in the category of being an individual not systems or groupism : this means resisting the norms of the present age ,

[@RocketKirchner]

@@bogaziciliceohaluk YES , they fought the 19th century “ Isms”

[@elysianfields1671]

As someone who has been on both sides, that is, in absolute despair and in absolute serenity and free from real problems, it is possible to develop yourself and learn in both cases. No situation is better or teaches you more. It is on you to know how to absorb the best of what life brings you, regardless your situation.

[@surality]

"I've always been mad, I know I've been mad, like the most of us...very hard to explain why you're mad, even, if you're not mad..."

[@ReynaSingh]

We suffer more in our minds than in reality

[@truenorthaffirmations7049]

We become what we think

[@user-vl7nu5pr2e]

Nice irrelevant quote. But, hey, have a like

[@TheLouis17]

What's the difference ?

[@NothingHumanisAlientoMe]

...

[@NothingHumanisAlientoMe]

@LJ Johanna The body is an expression of the mind.

[@stephenclark3838]

This channel is by VERY FAR, the greatest channel I have been blessed with accidentally or I can blame the algorithms for sending it to me. So even with as much censorship that is going on, the algorithms are still behaving in a different manner, for I would never have been given this beautiful blessing of finding this channel

[@danieldefonce]

There is ALWAYS hope. Do not be afraid, brothers and sisters.

[@TheDhammaHub]

As the Buddha already correctly observed 2600 years ago... suffering is universal, everyone has much more of is that happiness unless they are really smart about it

[@truenorthaffirmations7049]

Can the suffering the obstacle the challenge become our strength??

[@TheDhammaHub]

@@truenorthaffirmations7049 It sure can! The Buddha also called types of suffering "the divine messengers" that get you started in overcoming suffering

[@drprofessor1414]

The obstacle is the way. Follow the anxiety

[@scottkraft1062]

The ego is why we suffer and it created a false reality that has allowed us to live meaningless life's attached to objects.

[@yoooyoyooo]

@@scottkraft1062 We suffer because we believe the false to be true.

[@alexandraalmanzar570]

This is wonderful. This came right at the right time. I struggle with despair. I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, but the truth is that I have DESPAIR. I will look into Kierkegaard, I feel he gets me. Thank you for posting these, I absolutely love your videos!!! Never give up the good work!

[@l-unnamed802]

Hi, how ur doing now?

[@alexandraalmanzar570]

@@l-unnamed802 I turned to books that help me understand how to heal my soul. I am devoting myself to my family and work. Staying strong with philosophy. Learning to self-care and go whole heartedly into self-discovery. So far I feel I am stumbling upon a gentle rebellion to life in the status quo. If I succeed I gain myself, so I am fighting hard for my sovereignty. :)

[@michaelsteven1090]

Once again, the best of philosophers telling us why we are and what we are and where we are heading (perpetual despair) yet no outlet, or ways to change..

[@M64936]

Becoming aware of who you are and where you are heading is in and of itself therapeutic. But regarding ways to change, you need to figure that out for yourself. If there was some universal formula for how to succeed in life, we humans wouldn't be the suffering animal we are. "Be a man, and do not follow me - but yourself!" (Nietzsche) These philosophers were not gurus, but individuals who had great perceptions into psychology and human life.

[@Ruylopez778]

I would say it does give you the mindset to change; it says to look at your self as an ongoing development process, and not to focus on the external at the expense of your potential. But the answers are not universal, the hard work is up to the individual, and nothing is guaranteed, simply that pursuing a 'true self' is a worthwhile way to spend your life, whether it is a "happy" and "successful" life or not

[@jaredbaileyvstheworld]

When someone tells me they struggle with depression I tell them "congratulations! You still have some humanity left"... if you go through this world without getting depressed you arent paying attention

[@Pablo98145]

If they aren't they must already be dead.. Most probably are from what I see.

[@jaredbaileyvstheworld]

@@robert_sylvester no you're just too idiotic to comprehend what I'm saying... pretty easy to understand, so far 83 other people got it... you're the only genius who doesn't get it

[@rusirumunasinghe7354]

being depressed and having depression is two different things, the only thing idiotic here is your cringey comment

[@c.galindo9639]

Depends on the type of depression but I see your point

[@Tundra.]

Depression isn't from "paying attention to the world," it's a debilitating mental illness that ultimately leaves you wishing you were dead, or at least not alive. Your sarcastic comment, which I doubt you really do all that often, is nothing but self-aggrandizing nonsense. No one will thank you for it, least of all the people genuinely suffering from one of the most common diseases of the modern age.

[@PeterSantenello]

Genious! So well put together.

[@githeriandrice]

Funny when people misspell the word "genius"

I love your work! I'm surprised to see you here

[@hellavadeal]

My path to happiness was to find something worth dyeing for and living for that. Service is key. But first you need to train your mind to be positive and be the best you you can be. " To fix the world fix yourself first" , The rest will naturally follow.

[@truenorthaffirmations7049]

Be the change you want to see..enjoy the journey feiend

[@alicezawadi746]

thank you for that I needed to read it:)

[@hellavadeal]

@@alicezawadi746 ❤

[@adamk8067]

Posted this one with perfect timing. Needed this.

[@petemitchel9191]

This channel always hits home. Thanks for your content.

[@Agroves1000]

Just when I thought these videos couldn’t get any better! Love it!

[@evankeane1406]

Always happy when a new video comes out. Much appreciation!

[@lancelotdufrane]

“the hollowness of the Times we live in”.... Your gifts for writing and choosing the appropriate conversation, ...incredible. Thank You. Despair. Happening to everyone of us, yet, by another name. There is powerful support, in this piece. I hope it reaches, all that can hear.

[@paulwoodhouse4757]

This arrived at precisely the right time today. Thank you

[@Cordelia-again]

This channel is both utterly absorbing and mind-expanding. Thank you both for your work.

[@terryhughes7196]

This cuts to the bone of what our society is experiencing on a mass level it seems

[@mslay-ultra1802]

I needed this video, and as always, it arrives at the perfect time.

[@huckleberryfinney4393]

What an outstanding work you do! Thank you! Happy to be a member!

[@jackdarko4486]

As always, absolutely incredible exposition.

[@luisd5098]

I have literally been checking every day for a new video. Thank you

[@easterlee2143]

Finally a new video! Much anticipated. Thank you for your effort, I appreciate your channel very much.

[@pedroforonda]

9:02 passion as a way out of despair

[@konradhoroszko255]

The way you read it, Academy of Ideas, is making this wisdom even more powerful, thank you.

[@elharto]

I enjoy this channel so much. Thank for the for high quality, though provoking, engaging content.

[@invincibleluis]

I love Kierkegaard just as much as i love this channel. Amazing. Every single video is pure gold. Keep it up.

[@ChrisBechaalani]

Man I literally just opened your channel to see if I missed something since your last video and you uploaded same time🤯🤯

[@flavertex658]

Perfect timing. This, this video means a lot to me, and I needed it dearly. Thank you.

[@ZahdShah]

He has a way of uploading at the perfect time

[@jnes3736]

This is one of my favorite KZbin channels. After I watch every watch, I strive to do better, as well as get around to reading the books that show up on the screen.

[@rosamundg.]

Excellent as usual. Thank you so much Academy of Ideas for this quality channel

[@aaronjameswelsh]

Once again so thankful that this channel has come into my life. Thank you

[@dlloydy5356]

Fantastic episode. I can relate to it following a life changing, perspective shifting, experience 7+ years ago....that cemented the journey I was unknowingly already on. Thank you for your work.

[@queon-air4654]

This channel single HANDEDLY saved my life.

[@jacobclark9578]

I’ve been mulling over some big changes for days and days. And I think this just gave me a breakthrough. Thank you.

[@benwil1715]

I love everything about this channel...artwork n all.....

[@13jonfu]

Kierkegaard was one of my favorites when I studied philosophy in college! Love this channel!

[@NilanjanPaul]

sometimes when i go through my anxiety attacks i watch one of these videos and it helps me. but i also realize that i must not think my problem is solved and it is there and i must actively note it down, question and accept my fears, problems and despairs to get comfortable with it. i think there i can never get rid of these things but i can live with it alongside and it could also help me in my work, if i learn from it. (~something i was thinking a while ago)

[@ZahdShah]

Your anxiety is just a neurological response to something you probably imagined. Don't let it control you

[@NilanjanPaul]

@@ZahdShah thanks bro, but i dont let it control me. in a other way my overthinking invites it to my head some days and than anxiety keeps shaking everything

[@connorjennings6093]

Great job. Perfect timing

[@johnmitchell8925]

What I most love about this website is that it's a podcast cause I have limited internet. Besides that love to just be able to relax and listen

[@vidhikataria1364]

Thank you for this ✨

[@Squirreler359]

This channel is insane. So much wisdom. Thank you thank you thank you

[@Sam-jh9yw]

Another great video. Thank you!!!!

[@jackkerouac4587]

Right on time, as always

[@Joaquin2028]

I've said it before but worth repeating, this is the best and most valuable channel on KZbin, thank you

[@MiggiMixtapes]

Been studying camus a lot lately, he was deeply inspired by kierkegaard

[@BRAVENEWORDERFILMS]

Such an incredible resource channel. Peace and Blessing, Strength and Honor💪🙏

[@ezsovereign9781]

I wish I could shake your hand. Thank you so much for all of the knowledgeable information provided on this channel ❤️

[@elainnajones9107]

Excellent video. Thank you. God bless.

[@eggbear9555]

I have loved your work for a few years now . Thank you for this video . Extremely helpful

[@plazmica0323]

Man your channel is real art piece for us non english speakers, bringing whole new view on your topics , its best thing i discovered this year for real, thanks.

[@AdelleRamcharan]

Perfect timing 🙌🤍✨🦋

[@brianscoffield584]

Yet another great video. Many thanks. You are doing a great job.

[@icostaticrebound6007]

I find this video to be very insightful, as I personally have been experiencing despair due to the fact that I am stuck at home most hours of the day due to quarantine. Been trying my best to give purpose and meaning to my life in spite of despairing, but I'm not nearly out of the woods yet

[@legendaryzee22]

You always post the right videos with the right message at the right time

[@richgreen3459]

Absolute profundity! 10/10

[@mitsuha4788]

This is so amazing. I am so excited to embark on such a journey 💙

[@akashkundu6154]

Much needed, overwhelmed by this video. Someday shall met you.

[@pamela_amor]

So many lessons, thank you.

[@Hardc0rexParag0n]

Binging on AoI vids right now. Very grateful for these.

[@thumpire]

Thank you good sir. Your videos help me a great deal with the struggles of life, and I will never not look forward to them.

[@leeleeleelee420]

lovely timely and deeply thought-provoking, as usual

[@natural_obscurity]

This is great. Thank you 🙏

[@sabertoothwallaby2937]

This sounds great! Despair is my favorite!

[@codywurtz6221]

So powerful great job

[@_PL_]

"…[D]espair is the sickness unto death. It is indeed very far from being true that, literally understood, one dies from this sickness, or that this sickness ends with bodily death. On the contrary, the torment of despair is precisely this, not to be able to die… yet not as though there were hope of life; no, the hopelessness in this case is that even the last hope, death, is not available. When death is the greatest danger, one hopes for life; but when one becomes acquainted with an even more dreadful danger, one hopes for death. So when the danger is so great that death has become one’s hope, despair is the disconsolateness of not being able to die. "It is in this last sense that despair is the sickness unto death, this agonizing contradiction, this sickness in the self, everlastingly to die, to die and yet not to die, to die the death. For dying means that it is all over, but dying the death means to live to experience death; and if for a single instant this experience is possible, it is tantamount to experiencing it forever. "If one might die of despair as one dies of a sickness, then the eternal in him, the self, must be capable of dying in the same sense that the body dies of a sickness. But this is an impossibility; the dying of despair transforms itself constantly into a living. The despairing man cannot die; no more than “the dagger can slay thoughts” can despair consume the eternal thing, the self, which is the ground of despair, whose worm dieth not, and whose fire is not quenched. Yet despair is precisely _self_ -consuming, but it is an impotent self-consumption, which is not able to do what it wills; and this impotence is a new form of self-consumption, in which again, however, the despairer is not able to do what he wills, namely, to consume himself… This is despair raised to a higher potency… This is the hot incitement, or the cold fire in despair, the gnawing canker whose movement is constantly inward, deeper and deeper, in impotent self-consumption. The fact that despair does not consume him is so far from being any comfort to the despairing man that it is precisely the opposite, this comfort is precisely the torment, it is precisely this that keeps the gnawing pain alive and keeps life in the pain. This is pre-cisely why he despairs… because he cannot consume himself, cannot get rid of himself, cannot become nothing. …This is the potentiated formula for despair, the rising fever in the sickness of the self. "To despair over oneself, in despair to will to be rid of oneself, is the formula for all despair… A despairing man wants despairingly to be himself. But if he despairingly wants to be himself, he will not want to get rid of himself… That self which he despairingly wills to be is a self which he is not (for to will to be that self which one truly is, is indeed the opposite of despair), what one really wills is to tear his self away from the Power which constituted it. But notwithstanding all his despair, this he is unable to do, notwithstanding all the efforts of despair, that Power is the stronger, and it compels him to be the self he does not will to be. …To be _self_ as he wills to be would be his delight (though in another sense it would be equally in despair), but to be compelled to be _self_ as he does not will to be is his torment, namely that he cannot get rid of himself. "The despairing man is mortally ill. In an entirely different sense than can appropriately be said of any disease, we may say that the sickness has attacked the noblest part; and yet the man cannot die… This is the situation in despair. And however thoroughly it eludes the attention of the despairer, and however thoroughly the despairer may succeed…in losing himself entirely, and losing himself in such a way that it is not noticed in the least, eternity nevertheless will make it manifest that his situation was despair, and it will so nail him to himself that the torment nevertheless remains that he cannot get rid of himself, and it becomes manifest that he was deluded in thinking that he succeeded. And thus it is that eternity must act, because to have a self, to be a self, is the greatest concession made to man, but at the same time it is eternity’s demand upon him." Kierkegaard -- The Sickness Unto Death (translation by Walter Lowrie)

[@FalseGify]

Your channel has helped me so much, thank you

[@jenbodhi1133]

Wonderful thank you

[@melissawysocki2385]

Thank you 🐾

[@whocares2087.1]

If you despair, you must change. Many times you already know what exactly are the changes that must occur, you're just not doing them because of some made-up reasons.

[@northeastslingshot1664]

Yes. Despair is lack of acceptance

[@dekuuleaf]

Thank you, this is so well said.

[@TheVoidBecons]

Best channel on yt hands down

[@willek1335]

Thank you

[@robc8645]

Boom! Great episode!

[@ThyReturner]

Great video. Instant add to the favorites. I love all of your videos on Kiekergaard. Being a big fan of Taoism/Buddhism. It is taught "SELF" is the problem. Identifying with it is the cause to intellectual sickness. In fact, meditation is about resting the intellect (mind) in general as a means to keep from constantly engaging with it in such a way that it brings misery. One seeks to (keyword) uncondition himself from the ways of the world and through this inevitably finds that true (origin) "self". That's always been there suffering under the weight of its slavish conditioning that must be unlearned. Edit : Besides calmness. Insight is what one comes to through meditation as they disengage from conformity. "Stillness" is a keyword in these philosophies, because yes we're always finding ourselves too busy to look within. Too busy looking outward at externals.