The Denial of Death and Committing Evil Acts

Evil acts stem from a complex interplay between the denial of death and the fragility of symbolic existence. Human behavior can sometimes feel justified even when engaging in morally reprehensible actions, particularly when these actions are perceived as essential to maintaining one's identity or belief system. This notion of symbolic existence is tied to the construction of illusions—individuals create narratives that give meaning to their lives and shield them from the anxiety of mortality. Conflicts arise when someone's illusions challenge another's, leading to existential threats that provoke intense defensive reactions. The stakes can range from personal disagreements to larger societal clashes, where the loss of an ideation system equates to a perceived loss of self. Becker's perspective broadens our understanding of conflict, revealing that disputes often extend beyond surface disagreements and touch upon fundamental existential fears and the desire for immortality through collective ideologies. Hence, arguments are not just about differing views; they represent profound struggles for survival, leading to emotional escalations that can confound external observers, emphasizing the depth of the fight for validating one's identity and existence.