Ernest Becker
Ernest Becker was an American cultural anthropologist and writer. He is best known for his 1974 book 'The Denial of Death,' for which he received the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction posthumously in 1974. Becker's work focused on the concept of death anxiety and its influence on human behavior and culture. His interdisciplinary approach incorporated insights from psychology, anthropology, sociology, history, and philosophy.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Denial of Death
"The Denial of Death" is a thought-provoking examination of the influence of death on human behavior and society. The author argues that the fear of death is a primary motivator in human life, influencing our actions, beliefs, and relationships. He explores how culture and religion are often mechanisms to deny and transcend the reality of death, offering symbolic immortality through beliefs in the afterlife or in the enduring impact of one's life work. The book also delves into the psychological impact of this denial and the concept of the "heroic individual" who seeks to leave a lasting legacy.
