Comment by nicoburns
3 days ago
> maybe a 16 year old who wants to end their otherwise healthy life might, 20 years later, be glad they didn't.
Equally, they might spend decades of their life in misery wishing that they had been able to.
3 days ago
> maybe a 16 year old who wants to end their otherwise healthy life might, 20 years later, be glad they didn't.
Equally, they might spend decades of their life in misery wishing that they had been able to.
You're correct, and I'm generally in favor of the right to die.
I watched a documentary where they interviewed a bunch of people who attempted suicide and talked to them about the entire experience and mental state. Out of the maybe ten that they interviewed, only one said that he wished it had worked. That doesn't mean it's only 10% though... they didn't get to interview the ones that succeeded.
With suicide being illegal in most jurisdictions, not everyone interviewed may have been honest in relating their feelings. If you have suicidal ideations, telling others about them can have severely negative consequences. Saying “I wish it had worked” would likely create ongoing jeopardy.
I'm sorry but this feels kind of specious.
Especially if the person has already admitted to trying to commit suicide (which they presumably did considering the context from parent comment).
4 replies →
I don't particularly like this wording but can't seem to come up with another one right now:
I think it's okay for us to try and avoid the irreversible mistake, but yes, it's very arguable that living years you didn't want to live is also an "irreversible mistake".
Sometimes I don't get why things get downvoted on here.
What's downvote-worthy about this comment?
It's in response to mine, and even though I don't really agree with it, I don't see what's so objectionable that it needs some sort of admonition?
Didn't downvote, but I think the writing has a flippant voice. In combination with an unpopular opinion I've been able to attract downvotes in the same way
Interesting. I didn't read it as flippant, myself. I actually thought it was voiced similarly to mine (which I don't think is flippant either) and to the point. Oh well. Mysteries of HN.