'It made me rethink the roots of our deepest fears and insecurities, and why we often disappoint ourselves in how we manifest them' Bill Clinton, Guardian Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1974 and the culmination of a life's work, The Denial of Death is Ernest Becker's brilliant and impassioned answer to the 'why' of human existence. In bold contrast to the predominant Freudian school of thought, Becker tackles the problem of the vital lie - man's refusal to acknowledge his own mortality. The book argues that human ...
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'It made me rethink the roots of our deepest fears and insecurities, and why we often disappoint ourselves in how we manifest them' Bill Clinton, Guardian Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1974 and the culmination of a life's work, The Denial of Death is Ernest Becker's brilliant and impassioned answer to the 'why' of human existence. In bold contrast to the predominant Freudian school of thought, Becker tackles the problem of the vital lie - man's refusal to acknowledge his own mortality. The book argues that human civilisation is a defence against the knowledge that we are mortal beings. Becker states that humans live in both the physical world and a symbolic world of meaning, which is where our 'immortality project' resides. We create in order to become immortal - to become part of something we believe will last forever. In this way we hope to give our lives meaning. In The Denial of Death, Becker sheds new light on the nature of humanity and issues a call to life and its living that still resonates decades after it was written.
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Fair. This is a used book. It may contain highlighting/underlining and/or the book may show heavier signs of wear. It may also be ex-library or without dustjacket.
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Fair. This copy has clearly been enjoyed-expect noticeable shelf wear and some minor creases to the cover. Binding is strong and all pages are legible. May contain previous library markings or stamps.
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Fine. B-format paperback. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
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Fair. This is a paper back book: Used-Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may be missing bundled media. This book is a different release date and may have a different cover style:
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Book is considered to be in good or better condition. The actual cover image may not match the stock photo. Hard cover books may show signs of wear on the spine cover or dust jacket. Paperback book may show signs of wear on spine or cover as well as having a slight bend or curve to it. Book should have no writing inside or highlighting. Pages should be free of tears or creasing. Stickers should not be present on cover or elsewhere and any CD or DVD expected with the book is included. Book is not a former library copy.
My childhood friend, with whom I've been best friends since we we 18 months old, is going through what he calls "gut-wrenching anxiety." He lost a sister and his father last year to death, and never sufficiently processed these losses. I have been a psychotherapist for 30+ years, and Becker's book is an important contribution to our understanding of the ubiquity of 'death anxiety' in our lives, and how greatly it affects most people in almost everything they do. I recommend it highly.
tcroyle
Mar 7, 2011
would I dare recommend?
Wow. This is a bewildering psychological treatise on man's fear of death and the behaviors that the awarenessof mortality begets. I think for any student of psychology, this would be a must read. For a mere mortal like me, their were nuggets found here and there that were very valuable; most of the book was enlightening, but partswere beyond my level of interest, if not my level of comprehension. In truth, I would have to use this book as a springboard for much more indepth study in order to grasp even a fraction of the insight it reveals. I have some friends to whom I would never consider recommending this book (I listened to audio version - very well done), but there are others who are curious enough about why we are the way we are who just might find it life changing. To them I will pass it along.
Jessicareim
Mar 6, 2008
last chapter worth it
If you can get the book cheap enough to warrant just reading the last chapter, i would recommend it. The book was too "text-booky" for my preference, but he did pull together some interesting insights in the last chapter.
ecuedu
Jan 31, 2008
Book was not new
I thought I was ordering a new book, but when I received the book it was clear that the book was not new. Although it was plastic wrapped and the cover and pages do not appear worn; the pages are an almost dark yellow. I was disappointed because just looking at the pages one can plainly see that the book is very old.
