With every increase in the degree of consciousness, and in proportion to that increase, the intensity of despair increases: the more consciousness the more intense the despair.* ~Søren Kierkegaard

(Book: The Sickness Unto Death https://amzn.to/3S0ho70)

*Now this sentence really needs to be parsed, not for grammar of course, but for meaning. Be careful of the use of “consciousness.” In my experience there are more levels to consciousness itself so as to urge caution in its application of use. (Forgive, please, I’ve been reading dear Søren) It is so very easy for me to slip into an accent, a tone, a language.

To think this through and apply your own experience, I do believe you will find the statement true.

And I do believe he is also saying that anyone who is conscious at all, aware in the slightest, will suffer the equal counter-part of Despair.

And that makes for an “Oh dear!” if anything does.

Now, that accepted, we must (most likely anyway) also accept that any one would want to be relieved of this Despair.

Note: Despair, as without Hope. Not Depression. Not Melancholia. Not Down. Not Sad. Despair—its very own category.

And therein lies the rub. The conflict begins. In order to resolve the situation I’ll needs must read a bit more of our dear philosopher. Suffice it to end here, for today. But for those of us who suffer, and that means (most) everyone according to SK, I’m sure there will be an interest in the answer. Stay tuned!