The Worm at the Core Audiobook By Jeff Greenberg, Sheldon Solomon, Tom Pyszczynski cover art

The Worm at the Core

On the Role of Death in Life

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The Worm at the Core

By: Jeff Greenberg, Sheldon Solomon, Tom Pyszczynski
Narrated by: John Pruden
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More than 100 years ago, the American philosopher William James wrote that the knowledge that we must die is "the worm at the core" of the human condition - a universally shared fear that informs all our thoughts and actions, from the great art we create to the devastating wars we wage. Using data collected from human subjects, Sheldon Solomon, Jeff Greenberg, and Tom Pyszczynski show conclusively that the fear of death and the desire to transcend it inspire us to buy expensive cars, crave fame, put our health at risk, and disguise our animal nature. The fear of death can also prompt judges to dole out harsher punishments, make children react negatively to people different from themselves, and inflame intolerance and violence. But the worm at the core need not consume us.

This audiobook also reveals how human beings have come to terms with death and learned to lead lives of courage, creativity, and compassion. It infuses our lives with order, stability, significance, and purpose, and these anchors enable us to function moment to moment without becoming overwhelmed by the knowledge of our ultimate fate.

©2015 Sheldon Solomon, Jeff Greenberg and Tom Pyszczynski (P)2015 Tantor Social Psychology & Interactions Grief & Loss Psychology & Mental Health Sociology Psychology Personal Development Terror Management Theory

Critic reviews

"An intriguing and impressive summary of terror management theory and research suited to intellectually inclined general readers and students." ( Library Journal)
Compelling Philosophy • Groundbreaking Research • Insightful Analysis • Perspective Enhancing • Thought-provoking Ideas

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Presents basis for world views depending on your acceptance of death vs eternal everlasting life.

Valuable Perspective on Life

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Excellent ideas and insights! Thanks to the research of the authors! I highly recommend this Audible.

Super interesting reflection based on research about the ideas of our mortality. .

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This book was recommended by a frind as important for understanding the political divide, but it is far more insightful.

Beware of "ISMS" !

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A fantastic look at the behind the scenes mechanisms that drive our behavior. I was skeptical of the claim "Fear of Death drives most human behavior." After reading this book I can be certain that thos claim is correct. Well read and informative.

Death is the cause and life is the effect.

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an excellent book that really helps you ask yourself bigger questions. which we should never fail to do. a solid perspective enhancing book

a simple masterpiece

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