Born in 1924, Ernest Becker was a cultural anthropologist and interdisciplinary scientific thinker and writer. He is best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “The Denial of Death,” in which he argues that human civilization is essentially an elaborate, symbolic defense mechanism against the knowledge of our mortality.
Description: In this work, Becker posits that all human action is taken to ignore or avoid the inevitability of death. He delves into how the fear of death is a primary motivator behind many of our behaviors on a psychological, emotional, and cultural level.
Review: Becker’s exploration of the human fear of death is both profound and thought-provoking. Though the book is philosophical and abstract at times, it provides a fascinating lens through which to view human behavior and society.
Reason to Read: This book is a compelling read for those interested in a deep dive into human motivation. It’s a profound exploration of the lengths to which humans will go to avoid or ignore the inevitability of death.
2. Escape from Evil
Description: In this book, Becker expands on the concepts he introduced in “The Denial of Death,” arguing that humans create and adhere to cultural norms and belief systems as a defense against the knowledge of our mortality.
Review: Building on the ideas from his earlier work, Becker delves deeper into how the human fear of death shapes societies and cultures. While not a light read, this book is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.
Reason to Read: If you found “The Denial of Death” interesting and are eager to explore these concepts further, this book is a must-read. It provides a unique perspective on the way societies function and the motivations behind human behavior.
Becker’s work has had a lasting impact on our understanding of human motivation and the psychology of behavior. His work continues to be highly regarded and widely discussed in the fields of psychology and philosophy.