Episode #162 ... The Creation of Meaning - The Denial of Death

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[2][5][4].

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[1][4][5].