#227
Mentioned in 54 episodes
The Denial of Death
Book • 1973
In 'The Denial of Death', Ernest Becker discusses the psychological and philosophical implications of how people and cultures react to the concept of death.
He argues that human civilization is a defense mechanism against the knowledge of our mortality, and that this denial is a necessary component of functioning in the world.
Becker's work challenges traditional Freudian thought by positing that the primary repression is not sexuality, but rather the awareness of death.
He also explores how this fear of death leads to the creation of 'hero systems' and symbols that help individuals transcend their mortality, and how this can result in violence and conflict when different immortality projects clash.
He argues that human civilization is a defense mechanism against the knowledge of our mortality, and that this denial is a necessary component of functioning in the world.
Becker's work challenges traditional Freudian thought by positing that the primary repression is not sexuality, but rather the awareness of death.
He also explores how this fear of death leads to the creation of 'hero systems' and symbols that help individuals transcend their mortality, and how this can result in violence and conflict when different immortality projects clash.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 54 episodes
Recommended by 
Andrew Huberman as a challenging but rewarding read on the human experience and the denial of death.
Andrew Huberman as a challenging but rewarding read on the human experience and the denial of death.
4,330 snips
How to Find & Be a Great Romantic Partner | Lori Gottlieb
Mentioned by 
Ari Wallach when discussing the human denial of death and its impact on long-term thinking.
Ari Wallach when discussing the human denial of death and its impact on long-term thinking.2,309 snips
Create Your Ideal Future Using Science-Based Protocols | Ari Wallach
Mentioned by 
Lex Fridman when discussing Liv Burley's video and Ernest Becker's theory on the human motivation to escape the fear of death.
Lex Fridman when discussing Liv Burley's video and Ernest Becker's theory on the human motivation to escape the fear of death.
647 snips
#358 – Aella: Sex Work, OnlyFans, Porn, Escorting, Dating, and Human Sexuality
Referenced by Andrew Huberman as containing information on time perception as people approach death.
Andrew Huberman as containing information on time perception as people approach death.519 snips
Healing From Grief & Loss | Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor
Mentioned by 
Stephen West as an introduction to philosophical anthropology and the creation of meaning.
Stephen West as an introduction to philosophical anthropology and the creation of meaning.
216 snips
Episode #162 ... The Creation of Meaning - The Denial of Death
Mentioned by Jordan B. Peterson as a book that explores the human response to death, although he disagrees with some of its conclusions.
130 snips
426. Sex, Death, & Storytelling | Andrew Klavan
Mentioned by Lex Fridman as a great book on death and its underacknowledged role in shaping civilization.
Lex Fridman as a great book on death and its underacknowledged role in shaping civilization.125 snips
#218 – Jaron Lanier: Virtual Reality, Social Media & the Future of Humans and AI
Mentioned by Jordan Peterson when discussing terror management theory and its relation to death anxiety.
102 snips
148. Nietzsche, Dostoevsky, Kierkegaard (Existentialism)
Mentioned by Lex Fridman in the context of a theory about the human conception of death and its impact on our worldview.
Lex Fridman in the context of a theory about the human conception of death and its impact on our worldview.54 snips
Jeff Hawkins: Thousand Brains Theory of Intelligence
Mentioned by 
James Marriott as a precursor to Peterson's work, exploring similar themes of the hero's journey and the significance of everyday life.
James Marriott as a precursor to Peterson's work, exploring similar themes of the hero's journey and the significance of everyday life.
47 snips
James Marriott on Jordan Peterson
