Ernest Becker's The Denial of Death (1973) is one of the most thought-provoking books in the field of psychiatry and philosophy. In it, Becker argues that human beings have a need to deny death, and that this need can lead to unhealthy behaviors. He examines how culture, religion, and the desire to create a legacy can act as a buffer against humans confronting their own mortality. Becker also considers how death anxiety can have an impact on a person's life, from their capacity for creativity to psychosomatic illness.
The Denial of Death is based around a thesis that Becker saw as central to understanding the human condition: that all people have a fundamental fear of death and finitude and will go to extraordinary lengths to deny its presence in their lives. It does not advocate for the complete avoidance of death, but rather suggests that there is an important psychological component of accepting one's mortality that is vital for a person's continued wellbeing. To support this argument, Becker provides numerous examples from across the history of art, culture, and religion. He expands upon the work of scholars such as Søren Kierkegaard, Ernest Jones, and Bruno Bettleheim, examining how our need to transcend death influences society.
Central to Becker's thesis is our attempt to create a sense of immortality through our actions and deeds. He sees this as a way to control death and preserve some part of the self after life. He argues that all cultures have had their own way of achieving this immortality – whether it be by seeking to connect with the gods, finding some form of 'afterlife,' or trying to create a lasting legacy. He believes this to be one of our deepest psychological needs, with the presence of death always looming in the background.
Becker also considers the dark side of this denial of death, examining how seeking to transcend death by pursuing power and status over others can lead to destruction rather than dream fulfillment. He explores how seeking to achieve immortality through leaving behind a lasting legacy can lead to unhealthy behaviour, obsession, and fear of the outside world.
Becker's work in The Denial of Death is significant for its application to contemporary politics and culture, suggesting that we are all biased by our need to deny death. He suggests that we must be aware of this need in order to properly engage with and understand the world around us.
The Denial of Death is an invaluable contribution to psychology and philosophy, providing important insight on our desire to transcend death and the potential impact it has on our lives. It is an essential read for anyone seeking a more thoughtful and complete understanding of our own mortality and its implications.
