AUDIO OF BECKER

A conversation with Ernest Becker (1973), by Sam Keen

In December 1973, Becker was in the hospital, terminally ill, but rose to the occasion for this daylong conversation a few months before he died. The audio quality can be difficult, at times, but do keep in mind that it was recorded in a hospital during the 1970s. The listening experience is greatly enhanced by reading the article which Keen published about it titled, A Conversation with Ernest Becker (Psychology Today, April 1974). A full transcript of the interview is also available. We are indebted to Sam Keen for making these resources available.

The “DIALOGUE ON MAN” Series (1972)

Thanks to a lead provided by former Becker student, in 2015 the Ernest Becker Foundation located audio files of presentations in which Becker participated as part of the “Dialogue on Man” series in 1972. The series was produced by CBC Radio and the UBC Department of Continuing Education. Although the audio is not particularly high quality, these recordings present a rare opportunity for Becker fans to hear the man himself speak about his ideas.

February 21, 1972

Ernest Becker (SFU), Fulton Fisher (SFU), Eric Layland
(Our source was missing the 3rd/final segment of the February 21 session, but please enjoy the first 2 segments)

March 6, 1972

Ernest Becker (SFU), Fulton Fisher (SFU), Elbridge Rand (UBC)

April 10, 1972

Ernest Becker (SFU), Fulton Fisher (SFU), Ervin Laszlo (New York College of Arts and Sciences)