While acknowledging the influence of his personal experiences (emigration, religious conversion), the focus of this article is on the concept itself. Bespochvennost’ is more than despair or absurdity, though often discussed using such terms. Early writings hint at the concept, depicting alienation and loneliness. The Apotheosis of Groundlessness marks a turning point, using aphorisms to challenge established thought. Shestov defines bespochvennost’ as „losing ground”, a state he personally exper…
Read moreWhile acknowledging the influence of his personal experiences (emigration, religious conversion), the focus of this article is on the concept itself. Bespochvennost’ is more than despair or absurdity, though often discussed using such terms. Early writings hint at the concept, depicting alienation and loneliness. The Apotheosis of Groundlessness marks a turning point, using aphorisms to challenge established thought. Shestov defines bespochvennost’ as „losing ground”, a state he personally experienced when adopted aphoristic form in this book. He championed this form for its intellectual freedom and its potential to disrupt conventional thinking. Bespochvennost’ celebrates chaos and freedom, rejecting rationalism and fixed laws. Bespochvennost’ is characterized by constant anxiety and uncertainty. While offering freedom, it also leaves the individual without foundations. This groundlessness though unsettling, is seen as essential for authentic philosophical inquiry and a genuine encounter with the mysteries of life. Tragedy is intertwined with this state. Shestov illustrates bespochvennost’ through examples like Turgenev (affected by external events) and Dostoevsky's underground man (driven by internal doubt). Ultimately, bespochvennost’ is both a source of tragedy and a catalyst for creative thought which later evolves into Shestov’s idea of faith.
