"Be that self which one truly is"

Søren Kierkegaard, a Danish thinker typically regarded as the daddy of existentialism, delves into the complexities of selfhood and private presence in the quote, "Be that self which one truly is". This seemingly paradoxical declaration invites reflection upon the principle of self-discovery and authenticity.

At its core, Kierkegaard is urging individuals to start a journey of introspection to discover their real selves. The quote stresses the difference in between the self as specified by societal expectations, standards, and functions, versus the self that lives within, uncorrupted and genuine. In a world swarming with shallow identities determined by external pressures, Kierkegaard's words are a clarion call to shun conformity and rather look for the essence of who we are.

The important to "be" recommends an active endeavor, suggesting that credibility is not a static state however a constant process needing caution and effort. This process includes peeling away layers of pretension, worry, and false personalities embraced to please others or to suit preconceived molds. To "be that self which one truly is", needs a courageous honesty with oneself, a willingness to challenge uneasy truths and accept one's unique characteristics, faults, and potential.

Kierkegaard's viewpoint is both empowering and challenging. It is empowering in that it approves the specific the authority and responsibility to define their presence. It challenges because this path towards credibility can be fraught with existential angst, isolation, and the awareness of existential flexibility, which can be daunting.

Moreover, Kierkegaard's philosophical context, rooted in Christian existentialism, discreetly echoes the concept that true selfhood aligns with the divine will, suggesting that self-discovery is also a spiritual pursuit. Eventually, his admonition is an invitation to live a life of meaning and function, where one's actions and presence are congruent with the inner self, cultivating a sense of fulfillment and real flexibility.

Therefore, this quote encapsulates the essence of existential thought: the mission for a genuine presence amidst the cacophony of external forces contending for our identity.