Animals Quote by Ernest Becker
““The great boon of repression is that it makes it possible to live decisively in an overwhelmingly miraculous and incomprehensible world, a world so full of beauty, majesty, and terror that if animals perceived it all they would be paralyzed to act.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Denial of Death, 1973
Repression lets us act decisively amid a world of awe and terror, but it also risks paralysis if we fully perceive its magnitude.
In simple terms: Repression enables decisive action in a terrifying world.
Key Takeaway
Use repression wisely, but stay open to reality.
Themes
existential
repression
beauty
terror
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- artistic creation
- scientific inquiry
- spiritual practice
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you act without being paralyzed?
- What role does awe play in your decisions?
A Different Perspective
Too much repression can numb appreciation of life.
![“[As in the case of] alcohol prohibition, illegality has driven organized crime, sent countless people to jail, and killed many thousands. Repression does not work.” quote by Sam Branson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/212/sam-branson-36458_alcohol_as-in-the-case-of-alcohol-prohibition-il_8703.jpg)
