Kierkegaard's Influence on Hunter S. Thompson
Thompson: The Death of the American Dream
Hunter S. Thompson spent his career writing on the death of the American dream. Though many argue that he adopted an escapist mentality, through drugs and alcohol, he clearly accepted, and had a clear view of, where American society is headed.
As mentioned in his biography, Thompson was influenced by Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling and his adoption of fear and loathing was, in part, a response to the Danish philosopher's work. The contrast is vivid through the juxtaposition of the titles. With trembling, man stands in awe of the greatness (in this case, the greatness of God). Whereas with loathing, there is angst and nausea. However, fear is a given response in both due to the nature of man.
Thompson recognized the absurdity of American society, namely in its love affair with politicians and politics in general. He had a deep dislike of anyone who would sell themselves out for the sake of false promises and ideals, especially those espoused by politicians. Thompson’s writing became an indictment of society along a similar vein as that of Kierkegaard’s impeachment of Christianity in the 19th century.
Kierkegaard’s Theory
In his work Fear and Trembling, Kierkegaard examines the story of Abraham and the implicit absurdity, or human impossibility, of the story as it is espoused by clergy. The work was written as part of a series including Either/Or, Stages in Life’s Way and Repetition.
With Fear and Trembling, he addresses the issues of sacrifice and faith. Sacrifices are made with the faith that rewards will be reaped either in this life, or in the hereafter. The main issue at hand is where the line is drawn between faith and sacrifice. According to Kierkegaard, faith picks up where thinking ends. Hope is what sustains the individual. Kierkegaard felt that it is up to the individual to make the most of faith, and that it is absurd to subject something so personal to public scrutiny. Hence, his frustration with the Christian society of his time.
Throughout Kierkegaard’s writings, he was clearly a man of immense faith. However, the theories that Kierkegaard explored were strict indictments of how Christianity was practiced in his society, and the inherent hypocrisy of that practice.
Thompson’s Response
Thompson’s angle with fear and loathing examines the absurdity of American society and the faith it holds in its politicians. However, Thompson’s observations and thoughts on this issue were the basis for all his works, not just those which bore fear and loathing in the title.
For instance, in Generation of Swine, Thompson illustrates the ludicrous nature of man through general observations of society and not narrowly focusing on what was going on politically during the 1980’s. His nemesis was clearly the GOP and those who proudly held their affiliation on high.
Though he was clearly a man who did not discuss his faith, Thompson questioned at what point does society wake up and put an end to the lunacy that runs amok. In his writing he puts forth the notion that if society (as a whole) is blindly putting its faith out there as a means of sacrifice, through what mechanisms will it reap the benefits? Will there be any rewards in this lifetime? And at what cost?
Absurdity: What is Humanly Impossible
The idea of resignation plays a pivotal role in Kierkegaard’s theory of the absurd. Resignation is only possible when the individual does not give up on that which is desired, but keeps faith alive while accepting that the desired is unattainable. If an individual believes that what is desired can in some way be satisfied, then that individual assumes faith that satisfaction is only available through the absurd – or what is humanly impossible.
To Thompson, the role of resignation is more than apparent in American society. However the absurdity of it all lies in the faith society has in those who possess the power. Without a complete, abrupt change in people (who make up the society) and the way business is conducted in Washington there can be no faith in any kind of genuine change. To start over from scratch is nearly humanly impossible as things stand. People are too accustomed to looking outward for guidance and not inward.
Combining Kierkegaard and Thompson
Just as Kierkegaard embraced the issues of faith and sacrifice, Thompson clearly called them into question. Though he didn’t necessarily reject such issues, he clearly demanded society to take a closer look to see where it is headed.
While Kierkegaard was indicting the practice of Christianity and the hypocrisy that was inherent, Thompson was using a bull horn to indict American society and call attention to the blatant complacency. corruption, and hypocryisy, transforming American society. Actions that Thompson felt were responsible for killing the American dream.
Kierkegaard, Soren, Fear and Trembling, Penguin Books, 2003. 165pgs.
Wenner, Jann S. and Corey Seymour, Gonzo: The Life of Hunter S. Thomspon, Wenner Media, LLC, 2007. 467pgs.
