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Ernest Becker

The Denial of Death

"The Denial of Death" by Ernest Becker is a profound exploration of the human psyche and the ways in which we cope with the inevitability of death. Becker, a cultural anthropologist, posits that the fear of death is a fundamental driving force behind human behavior, and that much of our cultural activity is an elaborate attempt to deny or transcend our mortality. The book is divided into three parts. In the first part, Becker lays out his theory of death denial, drawing on insights from psychology, anthropology, and philosophy. He argues that human beings have a unique awareness of their own mortality, which creates an existential anxiety that we must manage in order to function. This anxiety is often expressed through what Becker calls "hero systems" - cultural narratives that offer a sense of meaning and purpose, and that allow us to feel heroic in the face of death. In the second part of the book, Becker examines the ways in which different hero systems have developed throughout history, from primitive religions to modern science and technology. He argues that while these systems can provide some measure of comfort, they ultimately fail to fully address the problem of mortality, and can even exacerbate it by creating new forms of anxiety and alienation. In the final part of the book, Becker offers his own solution to the problem of death denial. He argues that the only way to truly come to terms with mortality is to embrace it fully, and to find meaning and purpose in the face of death. This requires a radical shift in perspective, away from the narrow concerns of the ego and towards a more expansive, cosmic view of existence. "The Denial of Death" is a challenging and thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective on some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. While Becker's ideas are not always easy to grasp, they are presented in a clear and engaging style, and are grounded in a wealth of empirical research. Ultimately, the book is a powerful reminder of the importance of confronting our mortality, and of the need to find meaning and purpose in the face of death...