Illusion, chess, fear, Ernest Becker and the Denial of Death, society, and austerity

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To live without illusion is impossible when one is alone. One needs an opponent. The game of chess is not meant for individuals.

You say you are free, but you walk because you cannot fly.

The world does not cause fear. Fear causes the world. This is counter to Ernest Becker's theory in The Denial of Death.

Man is not far enough along in development to perceive spiritually, so he must induce this perception through his behavior. Behavior creates structure, just as use creates function (Alexander).

Society must appreciate the unemployed individual, for the inherent values which such a person brings, such as patience and austerity.

It is surprising that people expect magnanimity from companies, for generosity is not the function of business.

Perhaps my 'welcome mat' will say 'go away'.

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These selected fragments are excerpted from unpublished writings by Jack Haas; selections from the notebooks 1990-2005.