DEATH SICKNESS AND THE NEED TO BELIEVE

One of the most distinct psychological traits possessed by humans, author Rye notes in the book’s introduction, is object permanence. This ability to know that something exists even when out of view is connected, per Rye’s analysis, to humanity’s adherence to intangible belief systems. In other words, “All our political, economic, and religious institutions are based upon ideals which can only be conceptualized in the abstract.” As belief in traditional institutions has eroded—particularly religious systems in the West—the author fears that we risk slipping into an antisocial hellscape fueled by the cold rationalism of technology. While the post-Enlightenment emphasis on science certainly brought progress in terms of income and living conditions, the book argues that “wealth and prosperity come at a high price.” Eschewing partisan shots against both the right and the left, Rye highlights, for instance, the ethical and psychological costs of oppressive communist regimes as well as capitalist economies obsessed with consumerism. “By scientific measures, we are better off,” Rye argues, but “we are not happy.” Rye, who has an advanced degree in international affairs and economics from Johns Hopkins University and has worked as the State Department’s first Advisor for Hostage Affairs, has a keen sense of psychology and human behavior. Well cited through a network of footnotes, the book is a dense read that weaves together history, philosophy, political science, and psychology, and the analysis is often astute. Still, the book occasionally leans too heavily on the abstract, claiming that although data suggests we are better off now than ever, everyone knows that “something is wrong.” Rye rejects the racism and absurdities of contemporary conspiracy theorists but often challenges scientific consensus. His discussion of the Covid-19 vaccine, for instance, avoids the label of “vaccine” (preferring instead “MRNA treatment”) and emphasizes its “untested” nature. While skeptical, the book is rarely conspiratorial and refuses to wade into unproductive culture wars.

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