The Denial of Death

Ernest Becker

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"The Denial of Death" by Ernest Becker delves into the concept that all human behavior is driven by the fear of death. Becker explores how individuals and societies construct elaborate mechanisms to shield themselves from the reality of mortality, leading to a range of psychological and existential tensions. Drawing from psychology, existentialism, and anthropology, Becker presents a multidisciplinary analysis of the human condition, emphasizing the eternal struggle between the animalistic nature of man and the quest for immortality through heroic actions. Despite the heavy psychological jargon and academic writing style, Becker's work challenges readers to confront their fear of death and the illusions they create to cope with this fundamental existential dilemma.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is scholarly and intricate, blending psychological concepts with philosophical reflections.

Plot/Storyline:

The work delves into the human experience regarding the awareness of mortality, examining how this awareness shapes behaviors and societal norms.

Setting:

The setting is more abstract, dealing with existential questions pertinent to humanity rather than a physical locale.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, often requiring a thoughtful and measured approach to fully grasp the dense material.

In times such as ours there is a great pressure to come up with concepts that help men understand their dilemma; there is an urge toward vital ideas, toward a simplification of needless intellectual c...

Genres:

Topics:

fear of death

coping with mortality

existentialism

psychological defense mechanisms

cultural constructs

existential dread

psychoanalytic theory

coping mechanisms

Notes:

Ernest Becker wrote 'The Denial of Death,' which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1974.

The book emphasizes that human existence is tragically aware of mortality.

Becker argues that the fear of death significantly shapes human behavior and society.

He critiques Freud's focus on sexuality, suggesting that the fear of death is more fundamental.

The ideas in the book draw heavily from psychoanalytic theory, particularly the work of Otto Rank.

Kierkegaard's existential philosophy is also a major influence on Becker's arguments.

Becker argues that humans repress their awareness of death as a defense mechanism against anxiety.

The book suggests that societal structures and cultural practices are often built to deny or cope with the reality of death.

Becker presents a duality in human nature: the animalistic drive for survival and the quest for selfhood or meaning.

His analysis highlights that many human endeavors, including religion, stem from a desire to fend off death's inevitability.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers may include existential dread, discussions of death and mortality, mental health issues, and possibly controversial views on sexuality.

From The Publisher:

Winner of the Pulitzer prize in 1974 and the culmination of a life's work, The Denial of Death is Ernest Becker's brilliant and impassioned answer to the "why" of human existence. In bold contrast to the predominant Freudian school of thought, Becker tackles the problem of the vital lie - man's refusal to acknowledge his own mortality. In doing so, he sheds new light on the nature of humanity and issues a call to life and its living that still resonates more than twenty years after its writing.

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1 comment(s)

epibud232

1 month

A very difficult read.

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