13. Death:

• We have an irrational fear of acknowledging our own mortality. We avoid thinking about it because we think it will be depressing. In fact, reflecting on mortality often has the opposite effect - invigorating us more than saddening us. Why? Because it gives us clarity.
• If you had onl...

German philosopher Martin Heidegger concerned himself with the relationship between death-awareness and leading a fulfilling life. He argued that being aware of our own passing makes us desire to make our life worthwhile and give it meaning and value.

This awareness that we are go...

• Horror films entertain us. They act as a means to fend off boredom.
• The horror film is a way of unravelling evil. Ideas and myths like Frankenstein provide us with an explanation for human technological arrogance, where the man-made monster turns on its own creator.