Has a man the right to kill himself? Yes, if his death…
“Has a man the right to kill himself? Yes, if his death harms no one and if life is an evil to him. When is life an evil? When it offers a man nothing but suffering and pain.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote argues that suicide is permissible when life brings only suffering and no harm to others.
In simple terms: Suicide may be justified if life is only pain and harms no one.
Key Takeaway
Consider the moral weight of suffering versus societal impact.
Themes
ethics
autonomy
life
death
philosophy
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- end‑of‑life decisions
- mental health crises
- philosophical debates
- legal policy
Key Concepts
existentialism
moral relativism
human dignity
Questions to Reflect On
- Is suffering ever truly without purpose?
- Can society reduce suffering enough to make life worthwhile?
A Different Perspective
It ignores the potential for change, support, or future meaning in life.