The Swedish linguist Adolf Noreen started questioning the myth at the end of the 19th century,[5] and it is now generally accepted among researchers that the practice of suicide precipices never existed.
It’s a really complicated issue once you take religion out of it, at what age is it ok? does someone have to be in poor health? are they leaving friends and family who love them? MAID when someone has a terminal illness is a mercy, but it’s not for everyone.
However, when I think of my friend’s death, she was healthy and only 45 when she left us. I’m an atheist who’s read enough existentialism to respect her wishes, but I’m also sad for it. I don’t believe her decision was selfish, she was obviously dealing with things she couldn’t resolve , I just wish she could have found some sort of contentment in her life.
edit and to add to my thought here … I also hope that it’s what she wanted and she didn’t instantly regret it, though I don’t believe she had much time to do so. Ultimately we own our bodies outright and no one other than us has any right to say what we do with them, it’s just tough when something is so irreversible.
Ättestupa
Not all cultures have considered it selfish or morally wrong. Some have assisted suicide these days and I think the trend for that is growing.
Sigh, once again Ättestupa is a myth.
Source: The very article you posted.
It’s a really complicated issue once you take religion out of it, at what age is it ok? does someone have to be in poor health? are they leaving friends and family who love them? MAID when someone has a terminal illness is a mercy, but it’s not for everyone.
However, when I think of my friend’s death, she was healthy and only 45 when she left us. I’m an atheist who’s read enough existentialism to respect her wishes, but I’m also sad for it. I don’t believe her decision was selfish, she was obviously dealing with things she couldn’t resolve , I just wish she could have found some sort of contentment in her life.
edit and to add to my thought here … I also hope that it’s what she wanted and she didn’t instantly regret it, though I don’t believe she had much time to do so. Ultimately we own our bodies outright and no one other than us has any right to say what we do with them, it’s just tough when something is so irreversible.
I always kind of wonder about Hunter S Thompson. If he had something that would be a burden. The world lost a great mind that day.
The good doctor was in poor health, but he left us his words and we can’t let the bastards win.
That is actually pretty metal. No wonder why it’s a Swedish thing.