The way humans utilize this buffer can have profound societal impacts. Reminders of mortality—known as "mortality salience"—often drive people toward more rigid, "rock-type" worldviews, which can lead to increased hostility toward perceived threats. However, researchers emphasize that this same force can be harnessed for good. By stressing values like compassion and tolerance, the fear of death can be redirected toward constructive behaviors rather than defensive aggression. How else can we help?
This essay explores the concept of denial through the lens of psychological and evolutionary theories, specifically focusing on the ideas presented in Season 1, Episode 7 of the What Now? podcast and related existential frameworks. The Evolutionary Roots of Denial [S1E7] Denial
: People find significance in their careers, families, and social status, which distracts them from their physical frailty. The way humans utilize this buffer can have
While denial acts as a protective shield, it creates a tension between objective truth and individual experience. In discussions regarding loss, a person might acknowledge a general truth while remaining "stubborn" about their own specific grief to preserve the sanctity of their individual experience. This highlights that denial is not always about a lack of intelligence; it is often a deeply personal survival strategy used to manage suffering that feels too heavy to carry all at once. Constructive vs. Defensive Denial By stressing values like compassion and tolerance, the
existential psychology — Quinn Jacobson - Studio Q Photography
Denial is often viewed as a psychological flaw, but some theorists argue it was a necessary evolutionary adaptation. The theory suggests that as early humans developed a "Theory of Mind"—the ability to understand the mental states of others—they also became acutely aware of their own mortality. This awareness could have been paralyzing, leading to a "biological dead end" due to extreme anxiety and risk aversion. To survive, the human mind simultaneously evolved a "denial of reality," allowing individuals to function despite the "unbearable knowledge" of death. Denial as a Psychological Buffer
: Individuals cling to ideologies—religious or personal—to provide stability and prevent the mind from "drifting into despair". The Tension Between Theory and Experience