Self
Soren Kierkegaard writes, “Such a derived, constituted, relation is the human self, a relation which relates itself to its own self, and in relating itself to its own self relates itself to another.” The Self institutes a human’s logic and utility of being. Independent discernments of the ‘self’ define whether an individual will succumb to dejection or not.
Sparrow
Soren Kierkegaard explicates: “ The God-relationship infinitizes; but this may so carry a man away that it becomes an inebriation, it may seem to a man as though it were unendurable to exist before God -- for the reason that a man cannot return to himself, cannot become himself. Such a fantastic religious individual would say (to characterize him by putting into his mouth these lines), "That a sparrow can live is comprehensible; it does not know anything about existing before God. But to know that one exists before God -- and then not to go crazy or be brought to naught!" A sparrow is emblematic of unconditional conviction because its endurance is not cast-iron. If all the sparrows were to despair, in view of their exposure, then they would not subsist. God is the solitary provider and custodian of the sparrows. Therefore, imitating the sparrows could play a part in mitigating gratuitous despair.
Paganism
Paganism promotes despair; “This form of despair (i.e. unconsciousness of it) is the commonest in the world -- yes, in what people call the world, or, to define it more exactly, what Christianity calls "the world," i.e. paganism, and the natural man in Christendom. Paganism as it historically was and is, and paganism within Christendom, is precisely this sort of despair, it is despair but does not know it.” Paganism occasions unconsciousness of one’s spiritual self. A pagan would despair effortlessly because he/she is privy of mystic conviction which is contributory in antagonizing desolation.
