Heroism: One of the reasons we felt alive

Society has always been a symbolic action system. A structure of status and roles, customs and rules of behavior, designed to serve as a vehicle for earthy heroism. 

We care about ourselves above all else cuz we like to see ourselves as heroes to prove that we count in face of the void. This is measured by our self-worth. The motivating force behind narcissism. 

So we attach ourselves so firmly to the world of symbols of work, religion, social games, and so forth. 

Our denial of death and hero systems that emerge as defense allows us to justify great acts of evil.