Zozobra: The Peculiar Form of Anxiety in a Fragmenting World

Ever had the feeling that you can’t make sense of what’s happening? One moment everything seems normal, then suddenly the frame shifts to reveal a world on fire, struggling with war, climate change, and political violence and upheaval. That’s zozobra, the peculiar form of anxiety that comes from being unable to settle into a single point of view, leaving you with questions like: Is it a lovely autumn day, or an alarming moment of converging historical catastrophes?

On the eve of a general election in which the outcome – and aftermath – is unknown, it is a condition that many Americans may be experiencing.

As scholars of this phenomenon, we have noted how zozobra has spread in U.S. society in recent years.

Now, in 2024, as crisis fatigue and disorientation are eroding many people’s capacity to believe that life will ever return to “normal” again, we believe these insights from Mexican philosophy are more relevant than ever.

Zozobra and the Wobbling of the World

The word zozobra is an ordinary Spanish term for “anxiety” but with connotations that call to mind the wobbling of a ship about to capsize. The term emerged as a key concept among Mexican intellectuals in the early 20th century to describe the sense of having no stable ground and feeling out of place in the world.

The Need for Community

Another Mexican philosopher, Jorge Portilla, reminds us that these frameworks of meaning that hold our world together cannot be maintained by individuals alone. While each of us may find our own meaning in life, we do so against the backdrop of what Portilla described as a “horizon of understanding” that is maintained by our community.

Coping with the Crisis

Naming the present crisis is a first step toward dealing with it. But then what is to be done?

Portilla suggests that national leaders can exacerbate or alleviate zozobra. When there is a coherent horizon of understanding at the national level – that is to say, when there is a shared sense of what is real and what matters – individuals have a stronger feeling of connection to the people around them and a sense that their society is in a better position to deal with the most pressing issues.

Conclusion

The crisis of zozobra is a symptom of a deeper disintegration of our collective sense of self and our understanding of the world. As we navigate this complex and uncertain terrain, it is essential to acknowledge the ways in which our individual and collective experiences are intertwined. By acknowledging the presence of zozobra, we can begin to work together to build a more resilient and compassionate society.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is zozobra?
A: Zozobra is a Mexican concept that describes the feeling of being unable to settle into a single point of view, leaving you with questions about the world around you.

Q: How does zozobra relate to the current state of the world?
A: Zozobra is particularly relevant in times of crisis and upheaval, when the frameworks of meaning that hold our world together are being challenged.

Q: What can be done to address zozobra?
A: National leaders can exacerbate or alleviate zozobra by promoting a coherent horizon of understanding at the national level, and individuals can work to build stronger connections with those around them.