Living Authentically: The Power of Death-Awareness - First Part

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This article is written based on Julian Young, “Death and Authenticity”, in Jeff Malpas and Robert C. Solomon, Death and Philosophy, Routledge, 1998, pp, 112-19

You can also read through the Persian format of the article

Existential philosophers propose that individuals experience two distinct modes of existence: “I-Self” and “Man-Self.” Essentially, civilized individuals often become separate from their true selves, continually denying their inner reality. This denial occurs through the adoption of external influences that mask internal truths. These external influences, referred to as "Man-Self," encompass factors like culture, upbringing, education, politics, and religion. From childhood to the end of life, these influences are internalized by individuals and then manifest in various social contexts.

For instance, a person may learn in childhood that certain animals, like cats, dogs, and parrots, are considered pets and can be treated kindly, while others, such as cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens, are regarded as food and should be killed. Despite there being no substantial difference between these animals, the individual will continue to follow this learned behavior throughout their life, viewing it as a significant aspect of their existence and sometimes even as a core part of their identity or essence.

The key question is to what extent and in what manner one can truly say they are living according to their inherent truth. Existential philosophy suggests that our response to the concept of death reveals the answer. While most people would affirm "yes" when asked if they know they will die eventually, this response indicates death-awareness that is often quite superficial.

It might be a mistake to think that death-awareness simply means thinking about death. To address this misconception, consider the question, "Do animals think about death?" Some might respond that animals are not death-aware, but this overlooks the true nature of death-awareness. It’s not about thoughts or words; rather, it’s reflected in how one acts. Death-awareness is found in the way a living being, whether human or animal, lives authentically, and this authenticity is shown through actions.

Authenticity is achieved when a living being lives in accordance with its true nature. A life shaped by cultural, political, religious, or social influences is not considered authentic. For animals, their innate truth may be limited to basic survival activities such as finding food, moving, reproducing, and protecting themselves, their family, and their territory—and they perform these tasks effectively. As a result, contrary to common belief, animals are death-aware because they live authentically, and this awareness is demonstrated through their actions.

However, a civilized person does not live authentically. As individuals become self-aware and go through socialization, they gradually lose touch with their inherent truth. This self-awareness (Mitchell, 2003), along with the awareness of "future death" and "human mortality," leads to compensatory behaviors aimed at "avoiding death" and "seeking immortality," which are psychological responses to anticipated pain. While animals display authentic responses to avoid pain—such as finding food, reproducing, and protecting themselves—human responses are not authentic.

End of the First Part

 

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