David-hume Quote by Antonella Gambotto-Burke
““Does any man have the right to dispose of his own life? This is the ultimate question of moral entitlement, and relevant only if right is relevant in this context, and it is not. A suicidal man cannot be concerned - and nor should he be - with questions of moral entitlement. (And how absurd.) His one concern should be whether self-execution will most expediently relieve his suffering.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Living, 2015
The quote argues that a suicidal person cannot claim moral entitlement over their life, focusing on alleviating suffering rather than philosophical rights
In simple terms: Suicidal individuals should prioritize ending suffering over moral debates
Prioritize compassion over abstract rights
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- clinical counseling
- ethical debates
- personal crisis
- support groups
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What practical support can reduce suffering?
- How do we balance autonomy with care?
Moral discussions may not help those in immediate pain