Date: November 11th, 2026 2:30 PM Author: Consuela
Ernest Becker correctly identifies death anxiety as a major force shaping human psychology and culture, but mistakes one manifestation of a more fundamental existential condition for its organizing principle. This essay argues instead that the human predicament is rooted in the permanent crucifixion of irreconcilable opposites, and that the task is not to resolve these tensions through religious or secular redemption but to learn to bear them through individuation and acceptance of one's portion in existence.