Existential Boredom Re-examined: Boredom as Authenticity and Life-Affirmation

Abstract

This paper takes issue with interpretations of boredom as an existential mood that must be avoided. Through addressing some of the inconsistencies in Heidegger’s account of boredom, and relatedly exploring its intricate relationship with nothingness, this paper argues that profound boredom is a primary route to authenticity and life-affirmation. Key words Ambiguity, authenticity, boredom, existentialism, Heidegger, life-affirmation, nothingness, Sartre.