The Phenomenon of «Russian Toska» and Existential Angst: A Comparative Analysis of Conceptualizations
M. L. Gorshenin
THE KAZAN SOCIALLY-HUMANITARIAN BULLETIN October 17, 2025 DOI: 10.26907/2079-5912.2025.3.60-66 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Russian "toska" and Western existential fear (Angst) are both diffuse, amorphous experiences related to "nothingness," but differ in orientation: Russian melancholy is oriented toward the transcendent, whereas Western Angst is directed toward awareness of existential nothingness. Contends that both states are determined by historical and cultural context and can serve as catalysts for expanding consciousness and achieving authentic existence. |
Abstract
The article presents a comparative analysis of the phenomenon of Russian «toska» and Western existential fear (Angst), conducted in the context of two conceptual spheres. The motivation for this analysis is driven by the relevance of the situation of interaction between European and traditional Russian worldview paradigms. Philosophical interpretations of melancholy by Russian thinkers such as N.A. Berdyaev, I.A. Ilyin, S.G. Lishaev, and others are considered, as well as corresponding analyses of Angst in the Western philosophical tradition, presented by S. Kierkegaard, M. Heidegger, J.-P. Sartre, and others. It is shown that both phenomena are diffuse and amorphous, related to the experience of «nothingness.» However, they differ in their semantic orientation: Russian melancholy is oriented towards the transcendent, while Western existential fear (Angst) is directed towards the awareness of existential nothingness. In conclusion, it is argued that despite their common existential nature, these states are determined by the historical and cultural context and act as catalysts for expanding consciousness and achieving authentic existence.