Ernest Becker

Anthropologist and author of Denial of Death

Ernest Becker - Anthropologist and author of Denial of Death
Born

September 27th, 1924
100 years ago

Died

March 6th, 1974
51 years ago — 49 years old

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

United States

Links & References

An anthropologist and author focused on the human condition, he explored themes of mortality, identity, and culture. His most recognized work, 'The Denial of Death', published in 1973, examines the role that the fear of death plays in human behavior and society. The book argues that much of human activity is driven by the desire to deny death and achieve immortality through various means. This work contributed significantly to discussions in psychology, philosophy, and anthropology. He received the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction in 1974, shortly after passing away, underscoring the lasting impact of his ideas on existential psychology and human behavior.

Authored 'The Denial of Death'

Received the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction

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