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Death anxiety and humans

33 31
25.12.2025

Humans have two selves. One is the physical self, consisting of mortal and decaying elements. The other is the symbolic self, consisting of identity and meaning. Among all species, humans have the capacity to know and think about their death. The very idea of knowing that they will die becomes the source of existential anxiety which later on sets the foundation of human civilisation. Humans construct cultures as a defence mechanism against death. The entire culture exists as a shield to provide lasting meaning to humans and protect them from death anxiety. Nations, identities, careers, families, art and political ideologies are used as immortality projects in which humans become heroes to serve any particular purpose so that they can become immortal through different mechanisms. Overall, every human unconsciously strives to become immortal by creating some meaning and purpose through different institutions of a culture.

Every human acknowledges the fact that they will die and........

© The Express Tribune