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The Denial of Death
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The Denial of Death
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Ernest Becker tackles our relationship to mortality and searches for alternative ways to live.
Ernest Becker tackles our relationship to mortality and searches for alternative ways to live
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker is a profound exploration into the very essence of human existence, meticulously crafted to challenge our understanding of life and mortality. The book opens a window into the human psyche, examining the fundamental conflict arising from our awareness of death and the instinctive drive to transcend it. With piercing insight and philosophical depth, Becker investigates how this dichotomy shapes our actions, beliefs, and the very fabric of society.
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1974, The Denial of Death represents the culmination of Ernest Becker's life's work. This groundbreaking text offers a passionate and erudite response to one of humanityβs most eternal questions: the 'why' of human existence. Contrary to the prevailing Freudian thought of his time, Becker tackles the frightening reality of the 'vital lie'βour collective refusal to acknowledge our mortality.
Delving deeply into the conflict between our ego's desire for immortality and the unavoidable truth of our finite existence, Becker asserts that human civilisation itself is a defence mechanism against the terror of death. Humans, he posits, live in two interconnected realms: the physical world and a symbolic world of meaning. It is within this symbolic sphere that we embark on our 'immortality projects.' Through cultural, religious, and creative achievements, we strive to inscribe ourselves into a legacy that outlasts our physical bodies. These endeavours are attempts to provide our lives with lasting significance and fend off existential dread.
With elegant prose and thorough argumentation, The Denial of Death illuminates the psychological underpinnings of our quest for meaning and the ways in which we seek to deny our eventual demise. Becker's work continues to resonate, provoking profound reflection on the nature of humanity and our intrinsic desire to leave a lasting imprint on the world. It issues a stirring call to embrace life fully and confront the truths that define our existence.
The Denial of Death is not merely an academic text; it is a transformative reading experience that compels readers to reconsider their perspectives on life, death, and the pursuit of purpose. Whether you are a student of psychology, philosophy, or simply a seeker of deeper self-understanding, Becker's masterpiece offers valuable insights and timeless wisdom.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker explores the deep roots of human fears and insecurities, focusing on our response to the concept of mortality. Described as intelligent, passionate, and optimistic, it merges psychology and theology to provide an original perspective on how the fear of death shapes human behaviour and culture. Reviews highlight its stimulating and enduring impact, with commendations for its philosophical approach and lasting intellectual curiosity.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781788164269
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 05 March 2020
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Souvenir Press Ltd
Edition: Main
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 38.0mm
Width: 128.0mm
Height: 196.0mm
Weight: 100g
Pages: 336
About the Author
Ernest Becker was born in Massachusetts to Jewish immigrant parents. After completing military service, in which he served in the infantry and helped to liberate a Nazi concentration camp, he attended Syracuse University in New York. In his early 30s, he returned to Syracuse University to pursue graduate studies in cultural anthropology. The first of his nine books, Zen: A Rational Critique was published in 1961. He died in 1974 at the age of 49, two months before he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for The Denial of Death. After his death, the Ernest Becker Foundation was founded, using Becker's ideas to support research in science, the humanities, social action and religion.
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