Single Idea 15581

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / F. Existentialism / 6. Authentic Self]

Full Idea

Dasein is always only that which it has chosen to be.

Clarification

'Dasein' roughly means 'existence' or 'being there'

Gist of Idea

Dasein is always only that which it has chosen to be

Source

Martin Heidegger (Basic Problems of Phenomenology [1927], p.278), quoted by Richard Polt - Heidegger: an introduction 3.§39-42

Book Reference

Polt,Richard: 'Heidegger: an introduction' [Routledge 2003], p.78


A Reaction

I take it as significant that this is what it 'has' chosen, and not what it now 'chooses'. I might accept that my mode of existence results from past choices, but certainly not that I can choose it now. Ossified brain.