The Worm at the Core

On the Role of Death in Life

By: Jeff Greenberg, Sheldon Solomon, Tom Pyszczynski

Narrated by: John Pruden

Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Critic reviews

"An intriguing and impressive summary of terror management theory and research suited to intellectually inclined general readers and students." ( Library Journal)

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

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

Beware of "ISMS" !

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

Valuable Perspective on Life

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

a simple masterpiece

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

A deeper analysis on the subject of death

A great follow-up to the book by Ernest Becker, the denial of death, taking a more scientific approach to a problem that affects us all

Doing Death Justice

Amazing summary of research and speculation about the vast impact existential awareness has on all of us whether we know it or not. In this modern meaning vacuum of hyper connected isolated living we all need the reminder that life is short,so have the courage to craft the one you really want.

A Feast for Thought

While Terror Management Theory may seem reductionist, it does provide a lens to view human behavior and philosophy that yields some intriguing insights and imagery. It may be too objective and analytical an approach to help many come to terms with memento mori, but it does help one to start to think about how we view the world and how that carries into our interactions with others.

Mandatory reading.

Every human should read/listen to this book and look up Sheldon Solomon’s talks and interviews/podcasts.

A fantastic take on life and death

This book makes an in-depth analysis of the thousands of years of evidence that nearly every action humans make is, in many ways, a pursuit to nullify the finality and inevitably of death. Definitely recommend.

Changed my understanding of my life

It's amazing how the authors conducted simple yet groundbreaking psychological research about how reminders of mortality cause us to behave. I was surprised that judges gave harsher sentences after being asked about what happens when they die. Also, people become more inclined to be prejudiced after being reminded of death. They've uncovered many other interesting ways that death reminders affect us. This book helps me to look back at my life and see how death reminders have affected my own decisions. It will help me to recognize when death reminders are affecting me and to make more rational. compassionate choices instead.