To put it simply, this theory argues that much of human behavior is motivated to buffer us from thoughts about our own death. We attempt to find meaning in life, and create something bigger than us to provide us with a feeling that we will go on. Even relationships, love, and sex have been credited for guarding us from thoughts of our inevitable demise.
Surprisingly, researchers have yet to describe work as a buffer to thoughts about death.
However I contend, that work is one the greatest suppressant of thoughts about death...
Endless e-mails, piles of work, coworkers always relying on you... there are always things to do. More than that, our work is something greater than ourselves. The author's published book, the artist's paintings, and the songwriter's lyrics... all things that will go on and exist long after they are gone. All this to say...
...make your work count.
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| Sistine Chapel |
I don't know much about terror management. I think I understand though. It sounds like you're suggesting that people will desire to work hard to leave behind remnants of their existence. Is this accurate? Do you think this might be more common among the elderly? I did a little research in age and the workplace and found that many retirees went back to work because they wanted to feel "useful." Some say that the meaning of life is to work and be a functional person in society. When we are not aligned with this goal perhaps thoughts about death are far more abundant? Maybe.
ReplyDeleteOates (1971) posited that workaholism might be a way individuals combat the imminent awareness of their death.
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