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Ernest Becker

Ernest Becker Quotes

Anthropologist

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Famous Ernest Becker Quotes

“Why would a person prefer the accusations of guilt, unworthiness, ineptitude — even dishonor and betrayal — to real possibility? This may not seem to be the choice, but it is: complete self-effacement, surrender to the “others,” disavowal of any personal dignity or freedom — on the one hand; and freedom and independence, movement away from the others, extrication of oneself from the binding links of family and social duties-on the other hand. This is the choice that the depressed person actually faces.”

MayPersonsRealSelfHandsSeemsFacesChoicesSocialMovementPossibilityDutyDignityIndependenceGuiltOneselfBetrayalSurrenderLinksBindingAccusationDishonorPersonal DignityIneptitudeDepressed Person
Author:Ernest Becker
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“What does it mean to be a self-conscious animal? The idea is ludicrous, if it is not monstrous. It means to know that one is food for worms. This is the terror: to have emerged from nothing, to have a name, consiousness of self, deep inner feelings, an excruciating inner yearning for life and self-expression and with all this yet to die. It seems like a hoax, which is why one type of cultural man rebels openly against the idea of God. What kind of deity would crate such a complex and fancy worm food?”

IfsKnowsMenKindMeanDoeIdeasSelfFeelingsSeemsDiesNamesAnimalExpressionTypeConsciousComplexesTerrorFancyRebelYearningWormsDeitiesSelf ConsciousMonstrousSelf ExpressionHoaxesInner FeelingsDenial Of Death
Book:The Denial of Death
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