Originally Posted by
ThePreserver
The developers of the theory would say that dedications and certain aspects of every society are created in part because of our fear of death. Religious institutions (for obvious reasons), but also the pursuit of wealth. Wealth means well-being and in-group ties in consumer societies, and in-group ties are stronger when an individual is either consciously or subconsciously reminded of death.
One of the studies they performed was an experiment where the subjects had to perform a task. The task was straining some pebbles out of paint, but the only way they could do this successfully was by using the American flag the subjects were given. Before the test, the control group was given a general questionnaire with no mention of death (height, weight, some questions about personal beliefs, etc.) and the other group was given a questionnaire that had multiple references to death, bringing the idea of death to the mind before having them perform the tasks. Those who had not been reminded of death were quick to "deface" the flag, using it as a strainer, and those who were reminded of death took far longer to do so. They performed similar experiments with a crucifix and other "in-group" symbols.
I agree that a true artist/musician would do it for the sake of their art, the theory doesn't deal with just an artist or musician. It deals with entire societies and in-group bonds, and how they are affected by the constant presence of death.
The book "Denial of Death" was the inspiration for the theory, and the documentary "flight from death" is a great overview of the theory. of course there are flaws to it, but much of what the professors developing the theory say makes sense. I found the documentary very interesting.
(If by interpretation of death, you mean 'afterlife' or what happens after we die, those "interpretations" would, according to this theory, arise out of our fear; the idea of an afterlife arises out of fear of death, and there are many atheists who accept "nothingness," some of whom are likely reacting according to the same principles.)