Re: Its a perfectly valid question

Posted by Ev on September 26, 1999 at 11:56:36:

In Reply to: Its a perfectly valid question posted by Wondering Wanderer on September 25, 1999 at 19:18:07:

: Ev...

: We all die anyways. So why does it matter if its you or natural causes?

In some respects I don't believe it matters at all whether it's natural or self-induced. I'm talking about situations where a painful, lingering, and yes, fatal disease has you in it's grasp. As long as pain killers work I would argue that suicide would be a bad option. If we're talking about someone wanting to commit suicide because they are "disillusioned with life" then I think suicide to be a very bad option. There are abundant avenues for treatment of this condition.

I don't think you really analyzed the situation. On the superficial level, it may seem stupid. But what about a person who really doesn't have anything to live for? And I'm not talking about when they "over-react", I mean a person who really has nothing.

I don't believe that there is any such thing as someone who has "nothing" to live for. Even in the case of the terminally ill they have something to live for. The pain associated with the condition may cause them to "choose" not to go on but that decision doesn't mean they had nothing to live for. As long as it is possible for you to touch another person's life, and to be touched by the lives of others, you have something to live for.

Frankly, I'm sick that everyone is telling me "life has meaning"...no, its nothing but illusion. We are just HERE - that's it. One thing that seperates me from most fours (if I am even a four), is that I'm much more objective and logical than them.

I would feel the same way you do if I were in your shoes right now. I use the term "right now" because I have been in pretty much the same sad state you find yourself in. It was some time ago but I remember it pretty vividly. I was going through a divorce which was compounded by the separation from my 3 yr. old daughter. I felt like a total loser! I couldn't imagine why I should go on and felt that the world would be a better place without me in it. I had many friends who would empathize and sympathize with me. It make me sick to hear them spewing out the same old hackneyed advice suitable for "those who are going through hard times". I think that you probably feel the same way. And then, I had one friend who stayed away for a while so I would have time to sort my situation out in private. When he finally saw me, stewed to the gills on alchohol *and* antidepressants, he literally came uncorked on my ass. He pointed out, in not so kind terms, what an ass I was making of myself. He made me believe that I was better than how he found me acting. To put it mildly, he was one hell of a lot different than my other well-intentioned friends. Yes, he did make me see just how ludicrous it was for me to want to die. If you're truly that disillusioned then someone agreeing with you that "life is tough but you can make it" doesn't do very much good.

Yes, life *is* tough and you *can* make it. The question is; Do you choose to do so? I have no doubt that you are capable of overcoming this depressed/disillusioned state you find yourself in. Do you have the guts to do so? That's what *you* must decide.

I'm surprised that since Tal is a 5, he could be a little more insightful into the subject, but apparently isn't. Its been said that I over-analyze everything in this world instead of accepting that. Could be true...

: -Wanderer

Follow Ups:

• Empathy... Ronnie 00:57:54 9/27/99 (2)
  • Re: Empathy... Ev 10:53:21 9/27/99 (1)
    • True empathy vs "I care about you so much"--(Read: "I care so much about myself I want you to feel good you so I wouldn't feel bad") Ronnie 16:06:56 9/27/99 (0)

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