The authors argue that rather than repressing death fears, individuals should strive for :
The book by Robert W. Firestone and Joyce Catlett explores how the unconscious fear of mortality influences human behavior and how facing this fear can lead to a more fulfilling life. Core Themes and Insights Beyond Death Anxiety: Achieving Life-Affirming ...
: One common defense is the "fantasy bond," an imagined connection that provides a false sense of immortality and safety. This often manifests in rigid belief systems or symbolic immortality through one’s work or children. Achieving Life-Affirming Awareness The authors argue that rather than repressing death
Beyond Death Anxiety: Achieving Life-Affirming ... - Goodreads This often manifests in rigid belief systems or
: Most people develop psychological "defenses" to suppress the terror of death. While these defenses offer temporary security, they can lead to a "life of emptiness and drudgery," where individuals live according to early programming rather than authentic desires.