Why do people praise someone after their death, even if they condemned them during their life?
Synthesized from Source
definition
"People praise the dead not out of genuine admiration, but to soothe their own fears, masking rivalry with reverence as a way to protect themselves from the unsettling presence of the past."
According to Osho, people praise the dead because rivalry dies with them—there’s no duel left, so even enemies speak kindly. Beneath the niceties lies an old fear: the dead might return as unsettling forces, so we mask anxiety with reverence, calling them ‘heavenly.’ Like invoking Ganesha first or blessing a bridegroom, posthumous praise placates trouble; it’s social self-protection, not honest appraisal.
We talk nicely about people after they die because we’re no longer competing with them and we’re a bit scared of the dead, so we play it safe and show respect.
Why this matters practically
- Spot when fear or rivalry is shaping your opinions instead of truth.
- Practice honest appreciation and critique while people are alive.
- Replace ritualized flattery with sincere, courageous communication.
- Practice honest appreciation and critique while people are alive.
- Replace ritualized flattery with sincere, courageous communication.
AI Confidence Score: 93%
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