ANGST
This term may appear somewhat
strange to see but it carries a remarkably interesting meaning. It first came to my attention many years ago
when I was in graduate school and has lingered in my mind. The word was introduced into English from the
Danish, Norwegian, Dutch, and German word angst. It has been evident since the 19th
century in the English translations of works by Soren Kierkegaard and Sigmund
Freud. Their early ideas carry a specific
conceptual meaning used in English to refer to a profound and intense feeling of
apprehension, as “dread “or “anxiety”. This deep-seated condition is guided solely
in non-human animals by instinct. Human
beings enjoy a freedom of choice that is found to be appealing and yet
terrifying. It is the power of choice
that, at times, becomes a real challenge. Anxiety can occur with a feeling of worry, concern,
apprehension, or consternation.
Another
way of understanding anxiety is comparing it to fear.
The object of fear is clearly
identified. If one is fearful of dogs
one can avoid them. However, anxiety has
no direct object. It is an emotional
condition in which one experiences uncertainty, worry, unease, or tension. This condition can be very disabling for one
to function easily and resolve an issue.
“It has been said that there are three sides to every issue”.
“Yours, the other side and the truth.”
