Terror Management Theory. "The greatest fear of all" and "the primal fear of disappearing" are referencing the fear of dying. Humans are unique in that we are one of the few (if not the only) species capable of the awareness of our own mortality. This has strong implications that are not necessarily obvious.\n\nWe tame this fear by creating the illusion of immortality. Even though our earthly bodies may decompose and disappear, we can continue living after death by participating in activities that will continue after we die.\n\nThe reasoning behind religion (belief in an afterlife), political views, self-esteem, sports teams affiliations, hedonism, etc. can all be explained by Terror Management Theory.\n\nJust about everything that we do is to hide/tame the greatest fear of all.
Terror Management Theory. "The greatest fear of all" and "the primal fear of disappearing" are referencing the fear of dying. Humans are unique in that we are one of the few (if not the only) species capable of the awareness of our own mortality. This has strong implications that are not necessarily obvious.\n\nWe tame this fear by creating the illusion of immortality. Even though our earthly bodies may decompose and disappear, we can continue living after death by participating in activities that will continue after we die.\n\nThe reasoning behind religion (belief in an afterlife), political views, self-esteem, sports teams affiliations, hedonism, etc. can all be explained by Terror Management Theory.\n\nJust about everything that we do is to hide/tame the greatest fear of all.