Observation- What it Really Is

I realize that my last post was a little out of order, going off on a tangent without getting to the heart of what observation really is for Kierkegaard, so I will attempt to remedy that in this post. As I said before, the theme of observation is prevalent in Repetition, though it is important to note that, as many terms do for Kierkegaard, "observation" means more than its strict definition. For Kierkegaard, observation is a directed action, as the narrator will never accidentally observe. Furthermore, it is important to note that observation is a removal from the here and now, which is an issue the Kierkegaard has with it.

On the macroscopic level, observation is the manifestation of what Kierkegaard sees to be his most prominent feature. He is both blessed with the ability to understand the human condition through observation as well as cursed with the burden of always being removed from immediate pleasure because he is always observing himself. My professor brought up to the class that Kierkegaard was raised by a father who was highly religious, and that this prodded Kierkegaard to always watch himself so that he could prevent sin in his life. This also explains why Kierkegaard was very specific with his definition of sin later on, but that's a topic for another day.

Within Repetition, the narrator highlights many features of observation, but one of the most noticeable is that observation can be a good thing. After all, when the narrator goes to the theater he is observing the actors, which brings him pleasure and allows him to find communion he might be lacking. Furthermore, when we know that we are being observed, we tend to act better. Still, we are most ourselves when we are alone, because with observation often comes comparison and measurement, which tends to remove us from life.

Thus, as with all things, observation is recommended in moderation, which is an important rule which the narrator seems to neglect throughout much of Repetition. After all, when describing repetition the narrator opposes it to recollection and hope. However, I think we can all agree that recollection and hope are both great things in moderation, it is just when that becomes your entire life that it is an issue.