Would This Be Another Example of Proof...

[INRM]

Would the fact that when a person attempts suicide, say driving their car off a cliff, that they just want to see the ground racing up on them, hear a loud bang and then hear nothing... an example that humans actually on an inherant level realize that death is the end and that there is nothing after this?

To me, I'd say yes. What do you all think?

[Dr. Imago]

The first thing I'd ask is this: Everything okay, INRM? You need to talk to someone? Seriously.

Secondly, I'd also add that I don't believe that there is generally anything fruitful to be gained by entertaining such discussions. I'm not sure how it helps us "understand" suicide any better, but may instead point to a schizophrenic-type condition that might have other prodromal behavior or probably some sort of disorganized thinking that would manifest itself prior to the event. Perhaps it could be the side-effect of some psychotropic drug as well.

I'm not sure how this is going to help enlighten anyone. No one knows what a successful suicidal person was thinking immediately prior to the event, and we never can, because there is no one left to interview afterwards.

Many times, though, that person tips their hand in some way shape or form before the event. That's why I'm a little concerned about your post. :(

-Dr. Imago

[INRM]

I have no intention to kill myself.

INRM

[drkitten]

Would the fact that when a person attempts suicide, say driving their car off a cliff, that they just want to see the ground racing up on them, hear a loud bang and then hear nothing... an example that humans actually on an inherant level realize that death is the end and that there is nothing after this?


No, definitely. Any more than the fact that when I open the fridge to get a beer, the fact that I just want to see a beer in the fridge means that I know at an inherent level that there's actually beer in the fridge.

Sometimes you open the fridge and there's no beer there. Sometimes what you want isn't what you get.

[Darth Rotor]

Sometimes you open the fridge and there's no beer there.
How tragic. I'm here for you, if you need me.
Sometimes what you want isn't what you get.
But if you try some times, you might find, you get what you need. ;)

DR

[Soapy Sam]

Only barbarians put beer in the fridge.

I wonder how high the cliff has to be and how slowly you have to drive over it, in order to see anything but sky out of the front before the wheels come up through your bottom?

[drkitten]

Only barbarians put beer in the fridge.


Or those who have to drink American beer -- i.e. civilized people living in barbarian lands.

[ArmillarySphere]

I only drink barbaric beer (i.e. lager) cold. Civilised beer (i.e. ale) is drunk at room temperature.

[Madalch]

No, definitely. Any more than the fact that when I open the fridge to get a beer, the fact that I just want to see a beer in the fridge means that I know at an inherent level that there's actually beer in the fridge.

Sometimes you open the fridge and there's no beer there. Sometimes what you want isn't what you get.
http://angryflower.com/schrod.gif

[INRM]

But why would a person want there to be nothing after they die? Expect there to be nothing?

I thought human beings were generally hardwired to believe in afterlives and god and all sorts of mystical stuff...

I'm wondering if on that level the person truly realizes there's nothing, or if on some fundamental level the person realizes there is nothing after this.

See where I'm going with this?

INRM

[blutoski]

I'm having a lot of trouble even understanding the question.

The first concern I have is that you're asking us to assume some sort of motive that is not demonstrated in real life.

Suicide is complex, and motives vary. There is nothing I would call a 'typical' reason for suicide. There is the further complication of the suicide gesture, which is much more common than suicide.

There is also the complication that for many religions, suicide is a sin, and this skews the list of reasons that lead to suicidal actions.