40 pages • 1 hour read
Ernest BeckerThe Denial of Death
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1973A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker, published in 1973, explores the human fear of death and the psychological mechanisms developed to cope with it, including rituals, beliefs, and hero-systems that provide a sense of significance and oneness with the universe. Becker argues that with the decline of traditional religion, modern substitutes like romantic love, consumer capitalism, and science fail to offer the same metaphysical power. The book contains references to sexually explicit content and includes controversial assertions about mental health and people with mental health conditions.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Ernest Becker's The Denial of Death is acclaimed for its profound psychological insights into humanity's struggles with mortality. Praised for its intellectual depth, the book challenges readers to confront existential anxieties. However, some find Becker's arguments dense and his style overly complex, which could hinder accessibility. Overall, it remains a thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Denial of Death?
A reader who would enjoy The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker is introspective and fascinated by existential psychology, mortality, and human behavior. They likely appreciate works like Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning and Sigmund Freud's writings on psychoanalysis. This reader is drawn to profound philosophical inquiries and the human condition.