Chapter 1: The Dilemma of Authenticity

In 2016, renowned musician Bob Dylan received the Nobel Prize in Literature. His initial silence regarding the accolade led many to wonder if he would even acknowledge it. Poet Adam Kirsch speculated in a New York Times op-ed that Dylan might refuse the award for the same reason that Jean-Paul Sartre once did: to challenge the notion that an elite group of critics can dictate the meaning of Literature for everyone. Sartre believed that accepting such an honor under these circumstances would be a display of bad faith.

This quote reflects the essence of bad faith, which stands in stark contrast to authenticity. Unlike an inkwell, which simply exists as it is, humans possess freedom that compels us to actively shape our identities. Sartre famously illustrated this idea with the example of a waiter who performs his job with excessive enthusiasm, effectively playing a role rather than embodying his true self. This "being what one is not" signifies a denial of freedom and reduces oneself to an object meant for the expectations of others. To embrace true freedom and live authentically, one must reject all imposed identities, even if this approach is fraught with anxiety.

In Sartre's view, the essence of freedom lies in shedding all labels. But is this truly achievable or even desirable? For instance, I can personally attest to the challenges of transitioning from a lawyer to a stay-at-home parent, as relinquishing a high-status label in favor of one that lacks societal acceptance can be psychologically taxing.

My experience pales in comparison to those who have lost their livelihoods and cultural identities due to globalization and trade. Maintaining a sense of self without a professional label can be particularly daunting in a society that equates personal worth with career success.

An even more significant flaw in Sartre's notion of radical freedom is its failure to recognize that human existence can easily devolve into chaos without a coherent narrative to unify our experiences. Psychologist William James likened free will to a string of pearls, where our actions represent the pearls and our character serves as the string that holds them together. Absent character, our actions lose meaning, leading to a fragmented existence.

Theologian Paul Tillich posited that each individual is inherently concerned with something—whether it be material wealth, fame, or the pursuit of truth. Living for a purpose is an unavoidable aspect of human life.

For both Tillich and potentially James, authenticity is discovered not by renouncing all roles but by committing to a cause or role that genuinely matters. While I yearn to agree with this perspective, I recognize that human life is seldom that straightforward.

American artist Shepard Fairey created a piece titled "This is a Poster," featuring his iconic Andre the Giant image overlaid with commentary. This work serves as a metaphor for individuals who feel pressured to purchase certain products to project sophistication, ultimately undermining their autonomy and the very sophistication they wish to convey.

At first glance, Fairey's poster may seem trivial—this was my initial impression—but it highlights a deeper truth: we often perceive our lives through various overarching values, and pursuing one may necessitate compromising another. A truly fulfilling life may require us to engage with multiple ultimate concerns, making reconciliation a complex endeavor.

Nonetheless, we must strive to harmonize these concerns, even if complete success is unattainable. Life does not resemble a neatly plotted story where all loose ends are resolved; rather, the objective is to cultivate integrity so that our actions reflect our true character rather than merely contributing to a cacophony of noise. Ultimately, this pursuit of integrity embodies what it means to be free.

In this video, "What's Wrong With Relativism? Charles Taylor's Authenticity (Malaise 3)," the discussion revolves around the complexities of authenticity in a relativistic society, exploring how individuals navigate their identities amidst societal expectations.

The video titled "Authenticity: Being Oneself" delves into the importance of self-identity, emphasizing the challenges and triumphs of staying true to oneself in a world filled with competing demands and roles.