If there was nothing transcendent [eternal] within man despair would not be possible. Man would simple be what he is, like all other animals. But this isn't the case. The reality is for man, broadly speaking, that he is dissatisfied with himself. His being is an issue for him. In despair man seeks to be rid of the self that he is. He is not content to be his self. This could either be because (a) he does not want to be the self he is, or (b) because he is not the self he aspires to be. In both instances he seeks to tear himself away from that which established him. He seeks to find his own way forward. Consequently what he is is not to his liking or what he would like to become is just beyond his grasp.
The tragic reality is that man in despair cannot be rid of his self. The transcendent nails a man to himself. Put plainly because despair is possible there is something transcendent within man, and consequently his being is an issue. Whether he likes it or not he cannot be rid of the self and is in despair. He discovers what it is to be in despair; to will the end of the self whilst powerless to make this a reality. For, unlike the Christian, whilst he wishes for the end of the self he does so without the hope of life beyond. He wishes to be rid of himself, for his self to end. But the Christian knows that death is not the end. It is instead the beginning of life in all its richness and glory.
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