Beyond Authenticity: Hannah Arendt's final unfinished work

Hannah Arendt, in her unfinished work "The Life of the Mind," critiques the philosophical concept of authenticity, which suggests that individuals can uncover a true self within. Influenced by existentialist thinkers like Martin Heidegger and Karl Jaspers, Arendt diverges from their views by rejecting the notion of a pre-existing authentic self. Heidegger posits that authenticity arises from stepping away from everyday life to discover a deeper self, while Jaspers emphasizes the importance of existing in relation to others. In contrast, Arendt focuses on the concept of the will as a means of decision-making and action in the world. She argues that personal responsibility and choice shape who we become, rather than an inherent true self. For Arendt, thinking is rooted in worldly experiences, not in a transcendent Being. This perspective positions the will as an active process, contrasting with the comforting idea of authenticity, which implies certainty. Arendt's approach highlights the importance of individual choices in shaping both personal identity and the broader world, suggesting that authenticity may lead to an abdication of responsibility. Ultimately, she presents the will as a more dynamic and uncertain alternative to the static notion of authenticity, emphasizing the role of human agency in navigating life's complexities.