#10851
Mentioned in 3 episodes

Escape from Evil

Book • 1985
In 'Escape from Evil', Ernest Becker delves into the underlying causes of human evil, arguing that the fear of death and the desire for immortality are central to human behavior.

The book examines how humans have historically sought to transcend death through various cultural and societal mechanisms, such as hero systems, scapegoating, and the creation of myths and religions.

Becker critiques the heroic dynamics within societies and the expiation of guilt, highlighting how these mechanisms often lead to violence and suffering.

Written as Becker was dying, the book is a culmination of his career and offers a synthesis of scientific and philosophical perspectives on the human condition.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 3 episodes

Mentioned by
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Stephen West
as the next topic of discussion in the podcast.
216 snips
Episode #162 ... The Creation of Meaning - The Denial of Death
Mentioned by
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Stephen West
as the subject of a two-part podcast episode.
146 snips
Episode #163 ... The Creation of Meaning - Escape From Evil
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Sheldon Solomon
as Ernest Becker's last book, completed by his wife.
29 snips
#117 – Sheldon Solomon: Death and Meaning
Mentioned by
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Sheldon Solomon
in relation to his concept of 'self-esteem' and the management of death anxiety through belief systems.
#240 - Sheldon Solomon - Does The Fear Of Death Drive Everything We Do?
Mentioned by
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Timothy Keller
in the context of guilt and shame.
Praying Our Guilt

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