Ernest Becker, in his seminal work, The Denial of Death, delves into the profound psychological mechanism human employ to cope with existential dread of mortality.

Becker posits that the fear of death is a fundamental driving force behind human behavior, influencing a wider rate of cultural, societal, and individual actions.

To mitigate this pervasive fear, humans seek symbolic immortality, a concept where they create lasting symbols and legacies that transcend their physical demise.

According to Becker, these symbols can take many forms, such as works of art, literature, scientific achievement, or even progeny.

By contributing to culture and society in meaningful ways, individuals embed a part of themselves into the collective memory, ensuring their essence endures beyond their lifetime.

This pursuit of symbolic immortality provides a sense of continuity and significance.