Today, we dive into the connection between philosophy and anxiety with Dr. David Rondel, a philosophy professor and author of “A Danger, Which We Do Not Know: A Philosophical Journey into Anxiety.”
In his work, Dr. Rondel explores his journey through anxiety. From the wisdom of thinkers like Kierkegaard and William James to the challenges of modern anxieties like eco-anxiety and social media stress, Dr. Rondel shows us how embracing anxiety can lead to personal growth and a greater understanding of ourselves.
About Dr. Rondel
David Rondel is Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Nevada. He is the author of Pragmatist Egalitarianism (Oxford University Press, 2018), and editor or co-editor of four additional books: Pessimism of the Intellect, Optimism of the Will: The Political Philosophy of Kai Nielsen (University of Calgary Press, 2012), Pragmatism and Justice (Oxford University Press, 2017), The Cambridge Companion to Rorty (Cambridge University Press, 2021), and The Moral Psychology of Anxiety (Lexington, 2024).
His website: https://www.davidrondel.com/about
The book: https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Which-Not-Know-Philosophical/dp/0197767249
A Danger Which We Do Not Know? Existential Anxiety and Its Philosophical Remedy
Today, I spoke with Dr. David Rondel, a philosophy professor from the University of Nevada, who shared with us his unique journey from political philosophy to exploring the philosophy of emotion, particularly anxiety. Dr. Rondel’s path into philosophy began unexpectedly when he stumbled into a philosophy class as an undergraduate, which he found both intriguing and comforting. He explained how philosophy acted as a balm for his anxiety, offering a reprieve from the anxious thoughts that have accompanied him since childhood. His latest academic pursuits focus on understanding anxiety through a philosophical lens, a topic he explores in his book, “A Danger Which We Do Not Know.”
Dr. Rondel’s personal experience with anxiety has shaped his academic interests and writing. He recounted his childhood struggles with panic attacks and how philosophical inquiry provided a therapeutic escape. This personal connection to anxiety motivated him to write a book that examines the condition from a philosophical standpoint. Despite not intending it as a self-help book, Dr. Rondel hopes readers might find solace or new perspectives in his work. His philosophical approach to anxiety draws from various traditions and thinkers, including existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre and Martin Heidegger, and American pragmatists like William James.
A key theme in his book is the difference between fear and anxiety—an idea explored by many philosophers. He references thinkers like Soren Kierkegaard, who called anxiety the “dizziness of freedom,” and William James, who saw it as a way to understand the “sick soul.” These ideas suggest that anxiety isn’t just something to avoid—it can teach us valuable lessons about life and our vulnerabilities.
Throughout the discussion, Dr. Rondel and I discussed the importance of recognizing anxiety’s evaluative and interpretive nature. He explained that anxiety is not merely fear but involves a deeper interpretive process, where individuals assess and respond to their internal and external environments. This understanding challenges the simplistic categorization of anxiety as merely an emotion to be gotten rid of. Instead, Dr. Rondel suggests that anxiety can act as a teacher, providing insights into what truly matters to us and offering opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
Dr. Rondel also addresses today’s unique anxieties, like eco-anxiety and the stress caused by AI and social media. He notes that many students feel more anxious than ever, partly due to the uncertainties of modern life. However, he encourages a balanced approach: instead of running from anxiety or obsessing over it, we should accept it as a natural part of being human.
In general, Dr. Rondel suggested for us to share openly our experiences with anxiety, whether through professional therapy or conversations with friends and family. By doing so, we can find comfort in the shared human experience.
In the end, Dr. Rondel’s work invites readers to use philosophy to better understand their fears and anxieties. By reflecting on these challenges through a broader, more compassionate lens, we can find new ways to cope and grow. His book reminds us that philosophy is not just about abstract ideas. It can be a guide for living a deeper, more meaningful life amidst the complexities of today’s world.
Some notable quotes from Dr. Rondel:
“ Philosophy provided some anti-anxiety therapy for me in some way.”
“I do find writing just by itself therapeutic. It’s a form of escapism.”
“There is a value, too, in exposure, in going towards the anxiety and studying it and looking at it.”
Imi Lo is a mental health consultant, philosophical consultant, and writer who guides individuals and groups toward a more meaningful and authentic life. Her internationally acclaimed books are translated into more than six languages languages and sought out by readers worldwide for their compassionate and astute guidance.
Imi's background includes two Master's degrees—one in Mental Health and one in Buddhist Studies—alongside training in philosophical consulting, Jungian theories, global cultures, and mindfulness-based modalities. You can contact Imi for a one-to-one consulting session that is catered to your specific needs.