Kierkegaard's concept of anxiety is closely related to his ideas about the human condition. He argues that anxiety is a fundamental aspect of human existence, arising from our awareness of our own freedom and the infinite possibilities that this freedom entails. For Kierkegaard, anxiety is not simply a negative emotion to be avoided, but a necessary part of the process of becoming an authentic individual. Kierkegaard believed that anxiety is an indication of our potential to make choices and to shape our own lives. He saw anxiety as a way of grappling with the unknown, and ultimately, as a means of discovering who we truly are.
Similarly, Sartre's concept of nausea is closely tied to his ideas about existentialism. He argues that human beings are fundamentally free, but that this freedom can be overwhelming and lead to feelings of nausea and disgust. For Sartre, the experience of nausea is a kind of existential crisis, a moment when we become acutely aware of the absurdity and meaninglessness of our existence. Sartre believed that human beings are condemned to create their own meaning, and that the realization of this responsibility can be overwhelming and lead to nausea.
Despite their differences, there are some clear similarities between Kierkegaard's concept of anxiety and Sartre's nausea. Both concepts are concerned with the experience of being human, and both emphasize the importance of individual freedom and choice. Both also suggest that the experience of anxiety or nausea can be transformative, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and one's place in the world.
One key difference between the two concepts, however, is their tone. Kierkegaard's concept of anxiety is ultimately optimistic, suggesting that we can use our anxiety to become more authentic and self-aware. Kierkegaard saw anxiety as an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. In contrast, Sartre's nausea is more pessimistic, suggesting that the existential crisis it represents is ultimately insurmountable. Sartre believed that the experience of nausea is a kind of inescapable realization of the meaningless of life, and that human beings are ultimately alone in the world.