"many psychological needs are ultimately rooted in the existential dilemma into which our species was born. Although humans share with other forms of life a basic instinct for self-preservation, they are unique in their possession of intellectual capacities that make them explicitly and painfully aware of the inevitability of their mortality. Because of this juxtaposition of animal instinct with sophisticated intellect, humans must live with the knowledge that the most basic of their needs and desires ultimately will be thwarted. Knowledge of the inevitability of death gives rise to the potential for paralyzing terror, which would make continued goal-directed behavior impossible."
thus, all behavior that is not directed towards mere survival (and some behavior that on the surface appears to be) is ultimately energy spent towards creating and maintaining a "cultural anxiety buffer" that serves to manage and suppress this terror. we don't realize this because every behavior has a train of hierarchical motives behind it, and we keep pay attention to only the most salient and proximal of these. terror management, its proponents suggest, is the superordinate goal of virtually everything we do.
i find this idea fascinating. unlike other theories i've found to be romantic, this one actually seems like it might be correct as well. i particularly like the fact that it explains, simply and completely, why humans have this funny notion of "justice" that has put millions of lawyers into business. you can ponder that one on your own, and, if you're a lawyer, then go and drink heavily.
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