General Discussion

Shemp Howard

(889 posts)

27. I think you're right!

Tue Aug 12, 2014, 07:06 PM

Aug 2014

The word "selfish" still applies here, in the strictest sense of the word. But you're right, the word is harsh, and carries with it a sense of condemnation.

Please remember that I am discussing the act, not the person. And a person who commits suicide should not be condemned. For that person is not evil, stupid, lazy, or cowardly.

But that person is still inflicting a terrible pain on others. Perhaps that is unavoidable, and must happen. But yet it is pain.

So I agree, "selfish" is not the best word to use here. But what word can replace it, and still take into account the infliction of pain (however unintentional) on the survivors?

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41 replies

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Highlight:

Guardian UK - Robin Williams's Death: A Reminder that Suicide and Depression Are Not Selfish [View all] Hissyspit Aug 2014 OP

KNR joeybee12 Aug 2014 #1

Thank you for posting this. enlightenment Aug 2014 #2

"I know that they have a lack of empathy that borders on its own pathology" LordGlenconner Aug 2014 #20

Okay - enlightenment Aug 2014 #25

Boy... is this article welcome and needed. hlthe2b Aug 2014 #3

k and r big-time. BlancheSplanchnik Aug 2014 #4

That word is disgusting LittleBlue Aug 2014 #5

This article is just plain wrong. Shemp Howard Aug 2014 #6

suicide is antithetical to selfishness as it illustrates anything but care to oneself. LanternWaste Aug 2014 #18

I just don't get how people misunderstand that one crucial point. Rex Aug 2014 #19

You are wrong passiveporcupine Aug 2014 #22

You missed my point. Shemp Howard Aug 2014 #24

You need to find a better word passiveporcupine Aug 2014 #26

I think you're right! Shemp Howard Aug 2014 #27

why is their temporary pain more important than his life-time of pain? passiveporcupine Aug 2014 #28

Why do you assume the survivor's pain will be temporary? Shemp Howard Aug 2014 #32

I'm very sorry for your loss and your Grandmother's (in-law?) pain and loss passiveporcupine Aug 2014 #33

Very thoughtful post, thanks. Shemp Howard Aug 2014 #34

No more selfish than refusing chemotherapy when you have cancer uppityperson Aug 2014 #40

This should be added to that offensive thread from last night malaise Aug 2014 #7

Todd Bridges said this on TMZ madashelltoo Aug 2014 #8

Yes, depression is a disease, however, rickyhall Aug 2014 #9

They saved my life get the red out Aug 2014 #11

Can I live with you if I go off my meds? hunter Aug 2014 #15

That sounds very familar davidpdx Aug 2014 #39

I think it depends on the person and situation laundry_queen Aug 2014 #16

My meds keep me alive, it is NOT the placebo effect nt steve2470 Aug 2014 #17

ummmmm fascisthunter Aug 2014 #36

When someone calls it "selfish" get the red out Aug 2014 #10

It may seem paradoxical ... Shoonra Aug 2014 #12

Recommend nt Zorra Aug 2014 #13

Thanks for this Hissy. progressoid Aug 2014 #14

Shame that we have to cross the pond for common sense from the media NightWatcher Aug 2014 #21

Suicide is not selfish. It is the result of someone being in such overwhelming pain they can no... EEO Aug 2014 #23

Kicked and recommended. Uncle Joe Aug 2014 #29

I once had myself convinced suicide was the logical thing to do. I mean totally. brewens Aug 2014 #30

HUGE K & R !!! - Thank You !!! WillyT Aug 2014 #31

Let us go fascisthunter Aug 2014 #35

k&r LeftishBrit Aug 2014 #37

Kicked and recommended! Enthusiast Aug 2014 #38

I'm a recent suicide attempt survivor Victor_c3 Aug 2014 #41