Skip to content

Books Quote by Julian Barnes

“It had seemed to us philosophically self-evident that suicide was every free person's right: a logical act when faced with terminal illness or senility; a heroic one when faced with torture or the avoidable deaths of others; a glamorous one in the fury of disappointed love (see: Great Literature).” quote by Julian Barnes
Download Open image
““It had seemed to us philosophically self-evident that suicide was every free person's right: a logical act when faced with terminal illness or senility; a heroic one when faced with torture or the avoidable deaths of others; a glamorous one in the fury of disappointed love (see: Great Literature).””

Julian Barnes

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Sense of an Ending, 2011

The quote argues that suicide is often rationalized as a personal right in extreme circumstances, yet this view is contested.

In simple terms: Suicide is sometimes seen as a logical choice.

Key Takeaway

Consider the ethical complexities before judging.

Themes

ethics autonomy existentialism

Mood

reflective somber

Type

philosophical controversial

When to use this quote

  • healthcare decisions
  • legal rights
  • psychological counseling

Key Concepts

philosophical justification moral debate

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is suicide ever truly a free choice?
  • How do societal values shape this view?
A Different Perspective

Moral reasoning varies across cultures.

4.1 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Julian Barnes

Explore all 454 Julian Barnes quotes

More Books quotes

Browse all 59,485 Books quotes