Death Quote by Barry Eisler
““In the last six months,” he went on, “there have been two deaths, apparently by suicide. The victims were both high-level banking executives in soon-to-be merged institutions. Each seems to have leaped to his death from the roof of a building.” I shrugged. “From what I’ve been reading about the condition of the banks’ balance sheets, I’m surprised only two have jumped. I would have expected more like fifty.” “Perhaps twenty years ago, or even ten, that would have been the case. But atonement by suicide now exists in Japan more as an ideal than as a practice.” He took a sip of his tea. “An American-style apology is now preferred.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Last Empress by Barry Eisler, 2015
The passage highlights how corporate pressure can lead to extreme stress and suicide, noting cultural differences in how such deaths are perceived and addressed.
In simple terms: High stress can cause suicide; cultures view it differently.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address workplace stress.
Themes
stress
suicide
corporate culture
mental health
cross‑cultural differences
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- banking crisis
- executive health
- mental health support
- cultural analysis
Key Concepts
Psychology
organizational behavior
cultural norms
Questions to Reflect On
- How can companies better support mental health?
- What role do cultural attitudes play in reporting suicides?
A Different Perspective
Suicide rates may be under‑reported; cultural stigma can hide the problem.
![“I learned more in those six months [ in the White House] than in the prior six years. I don't think that anybody who has had the privilege to serve the country at that level should walk out and behave like a crybaby. And I plan to continue to serve the country in other capacities.” quote by Van Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3dc/van-jones-984_behave_i-learned-more-in-those-six-months-in-th_27061.jpg)
