So…the election is over. What do I do now?
嗯⋯⋯選舉結束了。現在該如何是好？
Wow! What an election! It certainly adds more unpredictability to our world. Students are already navigating an intense and complex experience of unease, and now with the world seemingly so chaotic, what is there to do?
哇！激烈的選戰！這無疑為世界增加了更多的不確定性。大家的不安感都如此地強烈且複雜，而當前的世道如此喧囂，我們還能做些什麼？
For everyone, these developments may evoke a modern version of what Heidegger called thrownness—a state of being thrust into a world they didn’t choose and cannot fully influence, one that is defined by unpredictable forces and historical shifts. Faced with these realities, many young people today are grappling with profound existential questions: What role do I play in a world filled with conflict and division? How do I find meaning in a time when peace and stability feel increasingly fragile?
對所有人來說，這些事態的發展喚起了海德格所謂的「被拋擲性」（thrownness）——一種被拋入他們未曾選擇且無法完全影響的世界的狀態，一個由不可預測的力量與歷史變遷所定義的世界。面對這些現實，許多年輕人正努力思索著深刻的存在性問題：在一個充滿衝突與分裂的世界裡，我扮演著怎樣的角色？在和平與穩定日益脆弱的時代，我該如何找到意義？
This unease echoes Heidegger’s concept of “Dasein,” or “Being-in-the-World.” This sense of Angst, or existential anxiety, is heightened as we confront a reality shaped by global instability, uncertainty, and tension. From the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising geopolitical tensions in regions surrounding China to conflicts in the Middle East, the world seems fraught with challenges beyond any of our individual control. Social media is of no help, amplifying these crises and brings them closer—turning once remote events into immediate sources of stress, fear, and uncertainty.
這種不安呼應了海德格所謂的「此在」（Dasein）——即「在世存有」（Being-in-the-World）。在全球局勢極度不穩定的現況下，當我們面對一個由不確定性與高張力（tension）所形塑的現實時，這種存在的焦慮（Angst；existential anxiety）被放大了。從烏俄戰爭、中國周邊日益加劇的地緣政治摩擦，到中東地區的衝突，世界似乎充斥著難以駕馭的挑戰。同時，社群媒體放大了這些危機，並將之呈現於我們眼前。讓遙遠的事件成為了直接的壓力、恐懼與不確定性的來源。
This uneasiness reflects more than personal anxiety. It’s a heightened awareness of the broader human condition, the realization that we are bound together in a world with high stakes, shifting alliances, and clashing ideologies. The resulting sense of vulnerability and powerlessness make all of us feel simply overwhelmed. As social media exacerbates these feelings, an endless and unescapable loop of images, news, and partisan opinions that intensify our sense of alienation is formed.
這種不安不僅反映了個人的焦慮，更是意識到了人類的整體狀況——我們共處於一個高風險、盟友更迭、意識形態衝突的世界當中。由此所萌生的脆弱感與無力感，令我們不知所措。社群媒體往往加劇了這些感受，使影像、新聞與黨派觀點無止境地循環播放，強化了他們的異化（alienation）之感。
However, all is not lost. Such unease isn’t purely negative as Heidegger suggested. Such anxiety , for example, can become a means to discover authentic ways of being. Recognizing our thrownness can lead to a clearer understanding of our individuality, potential, and the values that are truly meaningful to us. It can propel us toward what Heidegger called an “authentic existence” —a life lived with a deep sense of responsibility and intentionality, in contrast to the “they-self” that passively follows social norms and trends. So, what does this mean?
惟希望尚存。海德格指出，這種不安並非全然負面。焦慮有助於我們發現存有的本真形式。認知到我們的「被拋擲性」，可使我們更加清晰地理解自己的個性、潛力，以及真正對我們有意義的價值觀。它可以推動我們走向海德格所謂的「本真存在」（authentic existence）——一種帶著深刻責任感與意圖性的生活方式——而非被動地遵循社會規範與趨勢的「眾我」（they-self）。但這意味著什麼？
Well, in these uncertain times, we can channel our uneasiness into meaningful actions and purposeful commitments:
在這些不確定的時刻裡，我們可以將不安轉化為有意義的行動，以及有決心的承諾：
1. Seek Depth Over Distraction: Rather than allowing anxiety to drive us toward shallow distractions, we can cultivate reflective practices that bring clarity to our values and aspirations. Deep reading and open discussions with others around us can help us explore their authentic desires and beliefs.
追求深度而非娛樂（Distraction）：與其讓焦慮驅使我們走向膚淺的娛樂，我們可以培養反思的習慣，釐清我們的價值觀與願望。深入閱讀並與周遭的人相互討論，這可以幫助我們探索真實的渴望與信念。
2. Engage in Community and Dialogue. Facilitate change: Finding purpose often involves connecting with others who share similar goals and values. By joining communities that support personal and social growth—whether through volunteering, activism, or academic pursuits—we can feel a sense of belonging and purpose. You can also facilitate change by being an active member of the community. Perhaps you can’t run for president yet, but changes often start from the ground up.
加入社群與對話，開啟新局：尋找人生目標時，往往需與那些擁有相似目標與價值的人聯繫。透過加入資助個人成長與社會發展的群體——無論是志工服務、參與社會運動，或是學術追求——都能使我們有歸屬感與使命感。你也可以成為社群中積極的一員，來開啟新局。也許你現在還不能競選總統，但改變往往從基層開始。
3. Turn Unease into Compassionate Action: Embracing the uneasiness of the human condition can awaken a deeper compassion for others who are also affected by these issues. Rather than becoming cynical, we can use our empathy to support causes that promote peace, sustainability, and social justice. Go out there and volunteer, help your communities and build meaningful relationships!
將不安轉化為人溺己溺的行動：擁抱不安可以喚醒我們的愛心。與其變得憤世嫉俗，不如善用愛心來增進和平，維護永續的志業與社會正義。坐而言不如起而行，幫助你的社群，建立有意義的人際關係！
4. Embracing Resilience and Finding Support
Remember, feeling uneasy in these times is entirely normal, and you, we, are not alone in experiencing it. Although uncertainty may feel constant, we can develop habits to help us navigate it and build resilience. Keep your mind engaged by continuing to learn, your body strong through regular exercise, and your mental and social health balanced by maintaining close relationships with family and friends. Share your worries and challenges—chances are, others feel the same and can provide valuable support.
擁抱韌性，尋求協助
請記得，在這些時刻感到不安是正常的，你並不孤單。即便不確定性是世界的常態，我們仍可培養一些習慣，幫助自己有效應對、建立韌性。學習是心靈的源頭活水，定期運動可強身健體，與親友保持聯繫能平衡心理及社交健康。分享你的擔憂與人生課題——他們也可能有著相同的感受，並能提供有用的幫助。
5. Moving through Uneasiness with Small Habits
The self-help book Atomic Habits highlights the power of focusing on small, consistent actions to create lasting change. For example, rather than aiming to study for hours each day, a student might start with just 50 minutes. This simple, manageable habit is easier to stick to, and over time, it naturally expands, forming a stronger routine. By focusing on small steps, students can build confidence and momentum without feeling overwhelmed, turning gradual gains into meaningful achievements, gradually helping them feeling empowered and being able to navigate a seemingly endless space of uneasiness.
透過小習慣走出不安
自救書籍《原子習慣》（Atomic Habits）強調了專注於小的、持續的行動所創造出的持久變化的力量。例如，與其每天學習數小時，學生可以從50分鐘開始練習。這種簡單且易於管理的習慣，則更容易堅持。而隨著時間的推移，它便會形成堅實的例行公事。如此一來，學生可以在平穩的狀態下建立信心與動力，將漸進的收穫轉化為有意義的成就，慢慢地自我賦能，並可在不安的環境中前行。
In the face of a turbulent world, we may not be able to eliminate unease, but we can transform it into a source of strength and purpose. By acknowledging and embracing the discomfort of Being-in-the-World, we can become more authentic, compassionate, and resilient individuals. Through such an approach, uneasiness becomes less of a burden and more of a powerful call to live fully, responsibly, and meaningfully, even in times of uncertainty.
在一個動盪的世界裡，我們或許無法消除不安，但卻可以將之轉化為力量與目標的源泉。透過承認並擁抱「在世存有」的不適感，我們可以成為更本真、更富有愛心、更有韌性的個體。這樣一來，不安不再是負擔，而是有力的呼喚。驅使我們在不確定的時刻裡，也要充分、負責且有意義地生活。
參考文獻
Clear, J. (2018). Atomic habits: An easy & proven way to build good habits & break bad ones. Penguin.
Heidegger, M. (2010). Being and time. SUNY press. (原著出版於1927年)
Image source: USNews