1. Ernest Becker says we build “hero systems” to deny our death. I became an Orthodox Jew, streamed on YouTube 5x a week, and joined 12-step groups—I’m covered. If that doesn’t beat death, it at least keeps me too busy to notice I’m dying.
2. Most people deny death by having kids. I deny death by debating Grok about immigration policy at 11:45pm on a Saturday night.
3. My hero system used to be “if I say something profound enough, a busty shiksa will love me.” That failed. Now my hero system is “if I livestream enough, Dennis Prager will text me back.”
4. You know you’ve got a fragile hero system when a bad comment from “@TruthSeeker1488” can collapse your whole sense of immortality.
5. Becker says we’re all terrified of being worm food. I say—speak for yourself. I’m terrified of being ignored while becoming worm food.
6. The ancient hero system: slay the dragon, save the village. My hero system: quote Rony Guldmann, alienate my audience, and cry to The Cars.
7. Becker says culture is a collective denial of death. That explains Instagram. We’re all dying, but we’ve got filters. Look at me, I’m glowing and decaying at the same time!
8. Sometimes I envy people with simple hero systems—like CrossFit guys or people who sell essential oils. I have to wrestle with death and Maimonides.
9. My hero system is so conflicted I once tried to impress a girl by quoting Becker while describing the plot of Legends of the Fall. She ghosted me. Honestly, it was an act of mercy.
10. Denying death is what keeps us sane. But if you’re too good at it, you become unbearable. That’s how you get TED Talk atheists who start cults around hydration and sleep hygiene.
