And what shall he suffer who slays him who of all men, as…
“And what shall he suffer who slays him who of all men, as they say, is his own best friend? I mean the suicide, who deprives himself by violence of his appointed share of life. Not because the law of the state requires him. Nor yet under the compulsion of some painful and inevitable misfortune which has come upon him. Nor because he has had to suffer from irremediable and intolerable shame, but who from sloth or want of manliness imposes upon himself an unjust penalty.”
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 questions the moral and existential implications of suicide, suggesting it is an unjust self‑imposed penalty rather than a response to external compulsion.
In simple terms: Suicide is seen as a self‑inflicted injustice, not a forced choice.
Key Takeaway
Consider the ethical weight of self‑harm.
Themes
ethics
existentialism
self‑harm
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- philosophical
- legal
- personal counseling
Key Concepts
autonomy
justice
psychology
Practical Applications
- personal crisis
- mental health struggles
Questions to Reflect On
- What societal factors influence personal decisions about life?
- How do we balance empathy with moral critique?
A Different Perspective
Suicide may arise from complex psychological factors beyond simple moral judgment.