Have you ever experienced existential angst?

Question

Have you ever experienced existential angst? An unexplicable dread? If so, how would you explain it? Do you think there are causes and solutions?

Answer 1

Yes they are causes and solutions

Answer 2

I've been going through a mid-life crisis, does that count? There's no real reason for this, but I can't help it. I'm getting older, I can't help it, and I'm behaving very badly as a result. I've experience dread, angst, (I don't know if it is existential, or just plain old, government issued angst) and a whole host of other emotions which can only be described as my snowballing mid-life crisis.

Answer 3

The only "INexplicable dread" I have is when I read questions like this! ;)

Seriously, though, "Existential Angst" (EA), by definition, is a self-examination in terms of how others see you. In other words, if someone thinks you're good or bad, you may see yourself in that way, rather than view yourself on your own terms. I'd imagine that every gang member, convict, paranoid schizophrenic, potential suicide, world leaders, etc, suffers from EA every minute!

The cause is strictly self-induced. That is, you care more about how you believe others perceive you, than you do about yourself.

The solution is simple: Avoid all people at all times. ;)
All kidding aside, try to be less introspective; don't rely on others to determine your perception of yourself (yeah, I know it isn't easy!).

(FYI: don't let the "atheism...com" link, below, concern the religious among us; it contains an excellent overview of EA)

Answer 4

Sometimes I feel like life is meaningless, or I am meaningless, so yes, you might say it's existential angst. The solution is to find a sense of PURPOSE, but that Purpose is different for everyone

Answer 5

When I was in college I took a course in American Literature. The professor exposed us to the existential writers of the period we were studying, Ralph W. Emerson for one. After reading all the literature assigned, writing papers and getting a decent grade, I still don't know what existential really means. All the dictionary did was confuse me. Can you give me an easy answer. Check my profile and E-Mail me. I really would appreciate it.

Answer 6

Its the living in the US while at war for me. Did you know "The Scream" by Edward Munch is just such a portrayal of existential angst he experienced during the war of his time.

Answer 7

well hanna girl its like this... God gave us a finite ability to understand things in the way he wants us to. Meaning stop looking under rocks and taking apart the car in search of a deeper meaning. You see... believe it or not a human being can only be so smart in any form of rationalization or the understanding of why something is or why it works and for how and what reasons. The only real important happiness in this old world can be found within your own heart to help others, to love and forgive those who are against you. To love and obey God as he is. Perfect in all things. we are not. he is. understand? the very heart of simplicity really. Scientist continue to pick at the fabric of God's quilt but will never understand because unfortunately man is forever flawed with imperfection. He can only understand so much after that limit is reached it goes the other way. like a kid without a clue. be a simple woman and love from your heart. forgive those who are against you and read the bible, pray for enlightenment.

Answer 8

wellllll since the existential movement based their beliefs off the idea that they are the only reasons for being... (so to speak... you give yourself meaning... you are, because you are... you can control your own fate- and the decisions that you make play into the fate of others- and vice versa) one would assume recovery from a change of attitude or mind set. look at it from a different angle. pick up your spirits and ensure your own lifes purpose.

Answer 9

Not me. I've always had an inexplicable dread of existential angst.

Answer 10

Yes

Answer 11

Most of experience this feeling, whether we perceive it or not.
The causes and solutions could be:
* discontentedness --> Try doing something useful or achieving your goal
* oppression --> God help you OR create a world of your own!
* depression --> unless you can change circumstances, you will have to cope with them contentedly.
* fear of what to come --> 'Hope for the best, and get ready for the worst.'
There are a lot others.