The Denial of Death By Ernest Becker

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1974 and the culmination of Ernest Becker’s lifelong scholarship, The Denial of Death offers a profound and compelling exploration of the fundamental motivations behind human behavior. Challenging the dominant Freudian perspective, Becker addresses the vital psychological defense mechanisms individuals employ to avoid confronting the inevitability of their mortality. Through meticulous analysis, he reveals how this denial shapes culture, identity, and personal meaning. The work remains a seminal contribution to existential psychology and philosophy, urging readers to embrace life authentically despite the shadow of death, a message that continues to resonate deeply decades after its publication.