The perception of modernity as a domain of contingency is largely accepted as constituting both the theoretical core of Simmel's thought as well as a psychological explanation for his talent as an essayist. According to this perspective his sociological work encapsulates a certain tradition of modern thought which acquires its most distinguishing features in the "analysis of the sublime". This tradition becomes reflexive with the early romantics, recognizes its own nihilism in Nietzsche's work, and, finally, confronts the problem of life as the central theme of modernity. What has not yet been considered is the fact that, developing from this tradition an "impressionist" sociological perspective, Simmel laid the basis for investigating a subject that would become central to Heidegger's project of a fundamental ontology, namely, the relationship between being and time. The article seeks to investigate this neglected aspect of Simmel's contribution.
Simmel; Modernity; Subjectivity; Time; Death