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The Worm at the Core

On the Role of Death in Life
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( 1,687 ratings, 207 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Worm at the Core explores the psychological concept of terror management theory, examining how the fear of death influences human behaviour, culture, and personal development. The authors, drawing on decades of research, delve into how this primal fear drives our actions, relationships, and societal structures, shaping who we are as individuals and communities.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're interested in exploring how humans' awareness of mortality shapes our behaviour, culture, and history. It offers intriguing insights into existential psychology and how our deepest fears influence everything from love and work to politics and religion.

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The Worm at the Core

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Worm at the Core by Jeff Greenberg, Sheldon Solomon, and Tom Pyszczynski is a compelling exploration of the hidden motives that shape human behaviour. This profound book delves into the essential, yet often unacknowledged, influence of death anxiety. The authors argue that the fear of death is a primary motivating force behind a wide range of human activities, from our most sublime artistic achievements to our most destructive conflicts. By weaving together decades of psychological research with cultural analysis, the authors present a groundbreaking theory that reframes our understanding of human actions and decisions.

The core premise of the book is that the fear of death underpins many of the decisions and behaviours we exhibit in our daily lives. It is this existential dread that drives our quest for self-esteem, riches, and prestige. Whether we are conscious of it or not, our actions are shaped by a desire to transcend our mortality and secure some form of symbolic immortality. Through vivid examples and rigorous scientific study, the authors reveal how this underlying fear influences everything from our consumer choices to our relationships and even our societal structures.

Psychologists Sheldon Solomon, Jeff Greenberg, and Tom Pyszczynski bring over twenty-five years of research to the table, providing robust evidence for their claims. They meticulously document the ways in which death anxiety manifests in our psyche and behaviour. Their research spans various domains, showing that it not only affects individual choices but also impacts broader social and cultural phenomena. Their work is imbued with the conviction that by acknowledging and confronting our mortality, we can lead more meaningful lives infused with courage, creativity, and compassion.

The Worm at the Core offers a transformative lens through which to view our existence. It challenges readers to reflect deeply upon their own lives and motivations. Are we driven by the pursuit of material wealth or fame because of an unspoken fear of oblivion? Can understanding and accepting our mortality help us live more fulfilling lives? The authors propose that by facing our fears head-on, we can transcend them and achieve a more genuine sense of purpose and contentment.

This book stands as a crucial contribution to both psychological literature and self-help, offering invaluable insights for anyone interested in the deeper forces that drive human behaviour. Its interdisciplinary approach is accessible and engaging, making complex psychological concepts relatable and understandable to the general reader. The Worm at the Core is not just a book about death; it is a celebration of life and the human spirit's resilience in the face of its greatest challenge.

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 Worm at the Core delves into how fear of death influences human behaviour, relationships, and culture. Reviews praise it for its insightful exploration of existential psychology and its compelling, evidence-based argument on how mortality awareness shapes our lives. Critics commend the authors' ability to blend rigorous research with accessible writing, making it a thought-provoking and enlightening read.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141981628

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 May 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 16.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 213g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Sheldon Solomon, Jeff Greenberg, and Tom Pyszczynski are professors of psychology at Skidmore College, the University of Arizona, and the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, respectively. They have been collaborating on research and writing projects for more than twenty-five years.

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