Published Sep 16, 2019

We're All Gonna Die!

Sheldon Solomon delves into how existential anxieties surrounding death alter political and social behavior, revealing the manipulative use of death anxiety by charismatic leaders and unpacking the deep-seated impacts of terror management theory on human interactions and cultural norms.

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Dexa/Shankar Vedantam

We're All Gonna Die!

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Charismatic Leaders Explained

Death's Hidden Influence

Mortality and Behavior

Mortality and Judgment

Death and Division

Death Anxiety Responses

Death and Judgment

Fear of Death

Episode Highlights

Death's Influence on Leadership

Fear of Death

Terror Management Theory

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Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Death's Influence on LeadershipSheldon Solomon explores how existential anxieties influence our political landscapes, particularly through the support of charismatic leaders. He reveals how death anxiety can be exploited by political figures to consolidate power and deepen societal divisions.

Death's Influence on Leadership

Fear of DeathSheldon Solomon explores how the fear of death underlies many human behaviors and societal norms. He discusses terror management theory, which suggests that cultural mechanisms and self-esteem striving are defenses against death anxiety.

Fear of Death

Terror Management TheorySheldon Solomon explores the profound impact of death anxiety on human behavior through the lens of terror management theory. He discusses how reminders of mortality shape our judgments, cultural preferences, and social interactions.

Terror Management Theory

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