The Role of Culture and Rituals in Addressing Existential Problems

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Exploring how traditional societies used rituals to combat existential dread, contrasting it with how lost meanings in the modern era may contribute to higher mental illness rates. Delving into the concept of creating order to alleviate anxiety and the human ability to create meaning amidst suffering and anxiety.

David and Tamler conclude their discussion of Ernest Becker’s The Denial of Death. We talk about Becker’s philosophy of science (does he have one?), his sweeping explanations for strongman leaders, neuroses, mental illness, sexual fetishes, and the refreshing absence of an answer or resolution to the existential paradox at the heart of being human. Plus, a special Pod Save the Wizards intro - we have a political gabfest about Biden, the infamous debate, Kamala Harris, and more…

The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker [amazon.com affiliate link]

The Denial of Death [wikipedia.org]

Let us know where we should hold our 300th episode listener meet-up [surveymonkey.com]