How do people kill themselves?
According to Wikipedia:
“Suicide (Latin suicidium, from sui caedere, “to kill oneself”) is the act of intentionally causing one’s own deathâ€.
| SUPPORT INDEPENDENT SOCIAL COMMENTARY! Subscribe to our Substack community GRP Insider to receive by email our in-depth free weekly newsletter. Opt into a paid subscription and you'll get premium insider briefs and insights from us. Subscribe to our Substack newsletter, GRP Insider! Learn more |
The following are the usual reasons and often quoted factors given, why an individual commits suicide:
“…is committed out of despair or attributed to some underlying mental disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcoholism, or drug abuse. Pressures or misfortunes such as financial difficulties or troubles with interpersonal relationships often play a significant role.â€
Though I substantially subscribes to the foregoing premises, I am also holding the view that the said given enumeration is not complete neither it is exclusive.
Every person is a special entity. Hence, we cannot ascribe to him or her; the prevailing doctrine or principle so far accumulated by medical research, notwithstanding the fact and regardless of the point that the said documentation is extensive. That is beside the point.
My argument is that, there could be no definitive quantitative analysis that would determinatively answer the question of: why people decide to kill themselves.
I will argue that the usual application of the scientific template with regard to the issue is incomplete.
That people commit suicide because they are sad, they are mentally disturbed, they are suffering from serious physiological disease that is incurable, that they are undergoing extreme depression due to financial bankruptcy and emotional emptiness, that they are broken-hearted, that they felt so hopeless and defenseless in the face of a seemingly difficult situation, that they find life meaningless and existence nonsense and absurd.
I am not saying that all these factors and reasons do not play a part in the ultimate decision of the person; the irrefutable fact is: they do. However to reduce the whole scenario on the above-quoted grounds which led the individual to harm him/herself would be myopic and indeed, puerile.
We owe ourselves! Our bodies, our souls and our minds belong to us. Only the person knows what he/she is going through.
At the end of the day, society as a whole cannot fathom what’s going on inside the head of an individual, nor has it the power to check the feelings and agony suffered by a lonely heart.
Every individual is unique and special, every soul has its own mind and feelings, which society can never ever fully conquer nor decipher.
We may never understand the prevailing thoughts that animates the mind of a desperate heart that led an individual to do such a drastic act, yet instead of condemning the said person, it would be better if we will pause and reflect on the whole episode! Why a lonely soul decided to end her life? In effect, we just return to the issue and question that we posited above.
To those idiots who condemn and ridicule those people who committed suicide; let me state that:
But we are not all the same! We must celebrate our differences! We are all special and unique individuals!
I may not agree to the grim decision undertaken by those persons to end their lives; for purposes of ending their suffering, yet it is my ardent contention that I do not have the moral right to condemn their action!
They acted on their own will and volition! It may not be the right thing to do in our eyes, yet the actors saw it the other way!
Rather than condemning or criticizing those poor souls, let us ask ourselves: what led those people to choose that decision?
What compelled or impelled them to do what they have done?
Did we as a community also failed them? During those hard and turbulent moments that they are suffering, are we there for them?
Of course, end of the end, our decision is our own decision; yet we cannot deny the significance of our fellow human beings in our lives.
As a philosopher, I am critically analyzing all the angles and elements of this shocking moral issue that affects not only our society but the whole world.
What’s to be done?
Our duty is not only to remember the dead; but primordially to analyze and subsequently understand the reasons behind their decisions! We must locate the ultimate root cause(s) of the problem.
We must create a socio-communitarian consciousness! If may not stop some people from killing themselves, yet I certainly believe that due to our efforts: we may save some desperate lives and lost souls!
It is on this sense that I am also in favor of scrapping the STFAP or at least review it!
All my life, I am so proud of my Alma Mater, the University of the Philippines, yet the event that happened this week makes me sad and utterly angry!
UP must return to its roots!
Note: I dedicate this humble piece to the memory of Kristel Pilar Mariz Tejada. May she rest in peace and may her death be not in vain!
The writer has a Master’s degree in Philosophy, a law degree and a degree in AB Political Science. He was previously teaching Philosophy, Ethics and Anthropology at an institution of higher education in the Nilai University College at Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. He is currently a lecturer at the College of Arts, Department of Philosophy at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
As of the moment, he is preparing to publish his first book entitled “Dissidente”. It is a collection of his articles, commentaries and op-ed published by various newspapers in Southeast Asia.
From what I’ve remembered STFAP was touted as a way for UP to become “self-sufficient” (AKA privatization) with its projects and programs, but turned out as students subsidizing each other’s education instead. The longer this system exists, the more the government would use it as an excuse to abandon its mandated obligation to provide quality education for all. I wouldn’t be surprised if the same “mechanisms for self-sufficiency” will happen to other SUCs (or maybe they already have).
On a side note, I find it interesting that our so-called presidents of past and present are caught up in this issue.
It can be said that a person would be willing to commit suicide when countless circumstances are just beyond his or her control would lead to such great stress that would drive her to the commitment; that one very personal choice that he or she could ironically “take control” of.
Depression is rarely taken seriously in this country. Some people even call those who are depressed, “baliw”. Things like that need to be taken more seriously.
Depression carries a stigma in the PH that is akin to leprosy. People with depression are terrified to come out and say so. it is fortunate that PH has strong family ties that the ultimate end of depression is mostly prevented . there are people who do not have that strong ties, maybe due to the need to be away so they can earn, that when depression comes they have few options.
yes, it is wrong to condemn what was done because in their perspective they are doing the right thing. i agree completely.
Because of a culture that puts too much premium on being “happy,” that people come out with false facades of happiness.
Is that the reason they call our meals Happy Meals and Chickenjoy? 😀
^ Yup, I guess. 😛
I wonder if it’s also related to the infamous Filipino sense of entitlement. “Hu hu hu, I can’t get what I want, so I’ll just kill myself.”
@ J de Vega
I always have this funny feeling. People who commits suicide can’t be blamed for their act.
IMO, nobody in his/her correct faculty would ever commit suicide.
Ahem, just like in legal sense, there’s always this bothersome “plea of insanity” to escape justice for those accused who are sure to be punished for their criminal acts.
Did you intentionally miss to mention those people who are aware that they’re committing suicide?
They’re those who do it for the better good.
Take this one for example –
“Klein was with several Israeli soldiers from his unit, trying to rescue their fellow soldier, Amichai Merchavyah. Merchavyah was seized by Hezbollah terrorists when his unit was in Bint Jbeil.
Ro’i Klein and his fellow soldiers chased after the terrorists trying to rescue him. They soon found themselves cornered in a dead-end alley by Hezbollah terrorists who threw a grenade at them.
Ro’i Klein jumped on the grenade, using his body to spare the lives of his fellow soldiers.”
If that is not suicide, then , I stand to be corrected. And I can still give you some more similar examples for more clarifications.
Did you intentionally exclude something similar to that one in your post?
What readers can read in your post is suicide is a self-destruction thing and nothing else.
What did you say –
“I am not saying that all these factors and reasons do not play a part in the ultimate decision of the person; the irrefutable fact is: they do”.
Just like benign0 said, a comment from me – a small minded dude (and he’s the big minded dude)…
“‘Ro’i Klein jumped on the grenade, using his body to spare the lives of his fellow soldiers.’
“If that is not suicide, then , I stand to be corrected.”
NO, IT ISN’T SUICIDE. Klein’s was a SELFLESS act to save his fellow soldiers — a SACRIFICE. Nine times out of ten, suicide is a SELFISH act born out of desperation, an inability to cope with the situation, leading to the taking of life to alleviate the burden or stress the individual feels. The SACRIFICE you mention above is a conscious act to surrender life for the preservation of others’ lives.
So, what is your definition of standard suicide?
From the online dictionary –
“su·i·cide (s-sd)
n.
1. The act or an instance of intentionally killing oneself.
2. The destruction or ruin of one’s own interests: It is professional suicide to involve oneself in illegal practices.
3. One who commits suicide.”
Where did you get your definition of “SELFLESS act”?
I can also say that what he did is a “heroic act” but it’s still suicide.
So, what is the distinction now, if there is any between a SELFLESS ACT from that of SUICIDE?
If a selfless act is still suicide, then what do you call those acts of political prisoners in starving themselves to death just to register their point against the state?
Is that suicide, too?
@Trosp
I wrote the article in defense of Kristel and all the people like her!
Instead of condemning those people who decide to end their lives, why don’t we condemn to the utmost the unjust institutions and and the evil systems that force/drove them to do the thing that they’ve done?
Consider the case of Aaron Swartz! What do you think is the reason why he killed himself?
Imagine: he’s enemy is the entire US government!
PS: My answer to your illustration/question is that: That is SELF-SACRIFICE!!!
Question:
When both Rizal and Ninoy return to the country knowing for a fact that they may die (which they did), did they committed suicide?
When King Leonidas with his brave 300 Spartans (with some other Greek warriors) stood up and fought against the Persians, knowing for a fact that they will all die; did they consciously and intentionally preparing for suicide?
When a revolutionary decided to launch the insurrection without knowing whether they will win or fail; are they committing suicide?
A man who is about to propose to a girl that he loves her, knowing for a fact that she may busted him; is the boy committing suicide?
@J de Vega
According to your counter-comment to my comment-
“I wrote the article in defense of Kristel and all the people like her!”
My bad.
I did not bother to read the last 5 lines of your post telling us that you write it in defense of Kristel and all the people like her.
As if you’re telling me that I should have not asked you why you did not include in your post those people who are aware that they’re committing suicide. Their other reasons (aside from self-victimization I would say).
To continue with your counter-comment:
“Instead of condemning those people who decide to end their lives, why don’t we condemn to the utmost the unjust institutions and and the evil systems that force/drove them to do the thing that they’ve done?”
Duh???
But at least, in the end, you’ve answered my question:
“PS: My answer to your illustration/question is that: That is SELF-SACRIFICE!!!”
Following that one are series of you funny questions:
“When both Rizal and Ninoy return to the country knowing for a fact that they may die (which they did), did they committed suicide?
When King Leonidas with his brave 300 Spartans (with some other Greek warriors) stood up and fought against the Persians, knowing for a fact that they will all die; did they consciously and intentionally preparing for suicide?
When a revolutionary decided to launch the insurrection without knowing whether they will win or fail; are they committing suicide?
A man who is about to propose to a girl that he loves her, knowing for a fact that she may busted him; is the boy committing suicide?”
He he he…
You have a different definition of suicide from the online dictionary –
“su·i·cide (s-sd)
n.
1. The act or an instance of intentionally killing oneself.”
BTW, I like your “for a fact” and your “irrefutable”, “regardless”, “extensive” expressions.
Perhaps the expression “according to experts” is also your favorite quip.
But the best from your post is-
“As a philosopher, I am critically analyzing all the angles and elements of this shocking moral issue that affects not only our society but the whole world.”
And those series of questions in your counter-comment is your critical analysis, heh…
Cheers!
@J de Vega
You have this in your latest post in this blog –
“Professor Noam Chomsky, like Sartre also subscribes to the belief that a true intellectual must not be silenced nor cowed. They must always stand for the truth and condemn all the injustices and inequalities in the world.”
By that, it makes me uncomfortable because you’ve not made any counter-comment on my last comment.
I would like to tell the comment readers here, for the record, that I’m not silencing or/and cowing the self-proclaimed intellectual de Vega if he has not responded to my last comment.
@Trosp
So, what is your point in all these exchanges?
Why don’t you write your own paper!?
I do not know what you do for a living! I failed to reply to you, because I am working! Its the end of the semester and I have a lot of paper to mark!
Nobody can silence me!
For the record, I never proclaimed myself as an intellectual!
I proclaimed myself as a philosopher!
Are you blind or what?
DO READ CAREFULLY, BECAUSE YOU ARE BASTARDIZING YOURSELF TO THE READERS OF THIS BLOG!
I already proclaimed myself! You, who are you?
Funny questions? Then, why don’t you give us some funny answers?
Your assumption with regard to the “perhaps” is wrong!
“And those series of questions in your counter-comment is your critical analysis, heh….”
So? You? What is your critical analysis?
Perhaps? Perhaps?
Cheers too!
@J de Vega
Labeling you an idiot would be a complimentary in your favor.
Your comprehension sucks. And you’re telling us you posses critical thinking!
Critical thinking definition is bastardized if this will refer to you.
This is your counter-comment –
“For the record, I never proclaimed myself as an intellectual!
I proclaimed myself as a philosopher!”
Undoubtedly you have claimed this one in your post –
“There is no iota of doubt that the intellectuals are the philosophers, the teachers, the writers, the poets, the artists and the like.”
IDIOT!
Philosopher? Pwe!!!
The school where you have studied should disown you.
@J de Vega
Here is my “funny” answers (in parenthesis) to the questions coming from your critical thinking –
“When both Rizal and Ninoy return to the country knowing for a fact that they may die (which they did), did they committed suicide?”
(There is no doubt about their concern – just like us when crossing a busy road. They were not expecting to be killed on sight. They expect to present their case to the people and be judged by the power that be accordingly which could be freedom or death.)
“When King Leonidas with his brave 300 Spartans (with some other Greek warriors) stood up and fought against the Persians, knowing for a fact that they will all die; did they consciously and intentionally preparing for suicide?”
(They have PREPARED for a battle CONSCIOUS that it will cost their lives.)
“When a revolutionary decided to launch the insurrection without knowing whether they will win or fail; are they committing suicide?”
(Duh? A revolution without an objective? The school where you have studied should disown you for having that kind of logic.)
“A man who is about to propose to a girl that he loves her, knowing for a fact that she may busted him; is the boy committing suicide?â€
(The school where you have studied should disown you for having that kind of logic.)
It will be a suicidal for me if I go on and on in mocking your “critical thinking”. I might die laughing.
As for the papers you’ve written, what are they?
Have they saved your employer from any million dollar litigation or losing a million dollar business from a customer?
Or are they written just to massage your ego?
I can picture you as a fat dude with a broken spine due to your excessive patting of your back every time you write something.
@Trosp
YOU are the most idiotic creature that I’ve encountered in my entire conscious life!
You are only good at argumentum ad hominem!
You don’t even know that the word or the term idiot came from the Greeks idiotes, an idiot like you who does not know the meaning of human flourishing and the the common good!
You say pwe to me and all those below the belt words!
Shame on you!
Your school should be the one who should be ashamed you and perhaps the right thing to do for them is to curse and disown you!
GUSTO MONG MAGBABUYAN TAYO DITO? SIGE!
ANO ANG NAGAWA MO SA LIPUNANG ITO AT SA DAIGDIG NA DAPAT KA PANG MABUHAY NA NILALANG KA?
WALA NAMANG SAYSAY ANG BUHAY MO! HINDI SINA AARON SWARTZ AT KRISTEL ANG DAPAT NA MAGPATIWAKAL! IKAW?
SO, DO THE RIGHT THING! MAGPAKAMATAY KA NA, IDIOTES!
Wala akong critical thinking? Eh, magaling ka pang punyeta ka, eh bakit hindi mo kami turuan?
Sinabi mong idineklara ko ang sarili ko sa publiko na intelektual?
Saan ko sinabi ha? PUTANG-INA MO KA, INAAKUSAN MO AKO NA NAGSABI NG BAGAY NA HINDI KO NAMAN SINABI! ANO TO, GUSTO MONG BABUYIN ANG SARILI MO SA MADLA AT SA BUONG BALANA?
DI KO ALAM KUNG BULAG KA, TANGA O KUPAL KA!
WALA AKONG DEKLARASYON HINGGIL SA BAGAY NA YAON! NGAYON, BAKIT MO SINASABI?
MAGALING KA LANG UMEPAL NA PUTANG-INA KA!
HINDI KO SINASABI NA PERPEKTO ANG AKING MGA PANULAT AT MGA AKDA! NGUNIT, ANG KAIBAHAN NATING LECHE KA, AKO AY MAY TAPANG AT ALAB NG LOOB NA SUMULAT NG MGA PANANAW NA SA AKING PANINGIN AY MAKAKATULONG SA PAG-UNLAD NG MGA TAO AT NG LIPUNAN!
IKAW? ISA KA LANG KUPAL NA KOMENTARISTA NA DI NAMAN NAGSUSULAT!
MAGALING KA? EH DI ISULAT MO ANG TINGIN MO AY MARAPAT, MAKATWIRAN AT KATOTOHANAN!
KUNG TAMA NGA SA AKING PANINGIN ANG IYONG ISINULAT, AY TATANGGAPIN KO NG LUBOS!
HINDI KATULAD MO NA EPAL KA NG EPAL AT PURO BELOW THE BELT PA ANG TIRA MO!
PINAGTATAWANAN KA LANG NG MUNDO SA IYONG KAPALALUAN, KADAYUKDUKAN AT KAMANGMANGAN!
MATAPANG KA, O SIGE, TAPUSIN NA NATIN ITO: MAGSUNTUKAN NA LANG TAYO, MANO Y MANO!
INUULIT KO, KUPAL, HINAHAMON KITA NG DUWELO: SUNTUKAN TAYO, BASAGAN NG MUKHA!
HINDI KO MAPAPALAGPAS ANG MGA SALITA MONG GALING SA BUNGANGA MO NA LAGAAN NG TAE!
PUTANG-INA MO!!!
@ Jose Mario DV
GRP is an international forum. Please make your comments or responses using the English language only…or get out if you can’t stand the heat.
Hoy, LA702
I will speak in the language that I want!
International forum? Eh, bakit may mga nagsasalita dito ng Tagalog/Filipino?
Ikaw ang lumayas dito! Dito ako aalis o lalayas!
Isa pa, bakit ka nagtatago sa koda mo? Bakit hindi mo ibuyangyang sa publiko kung sino ka?
Natatakot ka? Feeling mysterious ka?
Baka naman ahente ka lang nina Abnoy!?
MAGLABASAN TAYO, KUNG SINO TAYO!
@ Jose Mario DV
If you absolutely believe that the use of Filipino language is the way you can contribute to GRP, I congratulate you.
Another example of how I tricked somebody in stupidly reacting.
I have posted this comment –
“(snip)
From where I am, I see these people as those who will not bother with religion. For these people, the above are not twisted logic but rather one’s right to choose. ACLU, NAMBLA, SFC (Sex Freedom Coalition) are their advocates.”
(What was in my mind are the atheists but I want to do some exploration.)
Lo and behold, from webmaster benign0 who immediately reacted –
“@Trosp, that’s a pretty sweeping judgment of ‘atheists’, dude. I wonder though if you might be failing to appreciate that many of the wars, acts of terrorism, and other human atrocities that pockmark such as the Inquisition were perpetrated in the name of one “God†or another.”
One of my proofs of my claim that benign0’s comprehension sucks.
I’m a small minded moron troll to him.
@Jose
I hope you realise that Trolls like Trosp and LA702 are just here to try and get under your skin. It seems you are not seasoned enough to handle them or even ignore them.
Try to learn from the other bloggers here who can kick their ass without lifting a finger.
Stay cool bro.
@ Dude
Call it troll, call it getting under somebody’s skin but the fact is people like Jose Mario DV and other GRP contributors are tasked by benignO to express their opinions clearly and respond to comments the best they can. It is their responsibility.
Blogging, after all, is about visitors traffic and at the end of the day each GRP writer must ask themselves whether they have contributed enough to increase GRPs ALEXA Ranking in the cyberworld.
@LA702
What do you mean GRP contributors are “tasked”? LOL
I think you’re delusional.
Thanks brother!
@ de Vega
A lot of garbage items in your post but I prefer to tackle them one at a time. The way I see it, you’re very good in diverting the topic to distract the readers from the real issue.
Your problem with me is I don’t make any claim without supporting it with facts. I call you an idiot and that is for a fact.
Let’s get back to this one from your counter-comment to prove your idiocy (and shamelessness)-
I made a claim hat you’re a self-proclaimed intellectual and your retort –
“For the record, I never proclaimed myself as an intellectual!
I proclaimed myself as a philosopher!
Are you blind or what?
DO READ CAREFULLY, BECAUSE YOU ARE BASTARDIZING YOURSELF TO THE READERS OF THIS BLOG!
I already proclaimed myself! You, who are you?”
And how you shamelessly bastardized yourself.
This one from your post –
“There is no iota of doubt that the intellectuals are the philosophers, the teachers, the writers, the poets, the artists and the like.â€
Intellectual= philosopher. (I really have to spell it out for you because you’re an idiot).
Actually, that is not my justification for labeling you an idiot.
It’s your gullibility for biting something you’re not supposed to bite.
Have you ever wonder that I can easily comment that you’re a self-proclaimed philosopher?
Instead, I used the word “intellectual”.
You did not get it because you’re an idiot.
I’ll let you settle this one first and I’ll return later for your other garbage.
BTW, there is no need for you to ask your friend from Anonymous Philippines to find me. Just click my handle and you’ll be directed to my facebook page. (Ugh, what can I do, you’re an idiot.)
@dude
Care to provide the readers any of my comment that makes me a troll in this blog?
benign0 can’t and perhaps you have something that he can’t provide the readers.
You think readers are idiots to believe you because you said so?
He he he, I’m not offended being labeled as troll or as a small minded dude. I will mind them if there are proofs that I am.
Otherwise, STFU.
@Jose: The thing with morons is that they will never be able to understand their own moronism no matter how much you explain it to them. So if I were you, I wouldn’t waste any further space on responding to Trosp. Just consider him part of the background noise much like the din of bad karaoke singing that fills the air of Manila on a warm Saturday night. 😉
benign0
The thing with dude like you, you always quantify posting a blog as the same as commenting.
As I’ve said before, you might have a talent in blogging but you’re a comedian or a clown when it comes to commenting.
Your comprehension sucks. and you always blame it to the commenters.
Proof – you can’t cite any screw ups in my comments and I can always cite your screw-ups in your counter-comments.
You are misinforming the readers.
Thanks brother!
Nonetheless, I will still ask the comrades from the Anonymous Philippines to trace that bastard!
Indeed, the problem with this creatures is that they doesn’t know that they doesn’t know! What a shame!
@ de Vega
So what happens with this one –
This is your counter-comment –
“FOR THE RECORD, I NEVER PROCLAIMED MYSELF AS AN INTELLECTUAL!
I PROCLAIMED MYSELF AS A PHILOSOPHER!â€
UNDOUBTEDLY YOU HAVE CLAIMED THIS ONE IN YOUR POST –
“THERE IS NO IOTA OF DOUBT THAT THE INTELLECTUALS ARE THE PHILOSOPHERS, THE TEACHERS, THE WRITERS, THE POETS, THE ARTISTS AND THE LIKE.â€
Ugh! An inconvinient truth that you’re avoiding to be discussed? Ang lagay nyan kakalimutan na lang na ipinagmalaki mo pa yan?
Wala ka bang kahihiyan?
Kaya puro pagmumura na lang ang ginawa mo? To divert the issue?
Come on, explain that to the readers.
IDIOT!
Predictably, benign0 agrees with you. Birds of the same feather of course.
You’re his ideal useful idiot to be used as his proxy in the future.
Come to think of it, for both of you, can you tell the readers any of my specific comments that inconvenience you WHICH ARE NOT SUPPORTED BY FACTS?
Ano ba ang below the belt de Vega? Puro totoo ang sinabi ko.
I’m not a komentarista. I’m just a commenter or a troll, a small minded troll, as benigs claims.
“INUULIT KO, KUPAL, HINAHAMON KITA NG DUWELO: SUNTUKAN TAYO, BASAGAN NG MUKHA!”
Dre, tignan mo naman ang porma ko at porma mo, wala ng babasagin sa iyo he he he…
“HINDI KO MAPAPALAGPAS ANG MGA SALITA MONG GALING SA BUNGANGA MO NA LAGAAN NG TAE!
PUTANG-INA MO!!!”
And you claim you’re a lecturer in a university and a writer.
Binaboy mo ‘tong blog ni benigs.
And the funny thing, kinunsinte ka naman ni benigs.
Pinabilib mo sya. But then, it’s not a surprise for me anymore.
Come to think of it, you’re previously teaching Philosophy, Ethics and Anthropology at an institution of higher education in the Nilai University College at Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
And now you’re currently just a lecturer at the College of Arts, Department of Philosophy at Polytechnic University of the Philippines – a business school.
Or you’re an instructor (not the same as lecturer) there and possibly you were kicked out from Nilai University?
All the while, I thought you’re what they call “palengkero”. Never it came into my mind that you’re a real writer.
Of course, I could be wrong.
As for you, benigs, try harder. You’ll get lucky next time.
Tip – to get lucky, why not try to quote my screw-ups. By that, comment readers will know why you’re so pissed with me. Not by your just say so.
Given is that your comprehension is like de Vega sucks. Or even worse.
Come to think number 2 –
de Vega, in your post in this blog –
“Finally, he also maintained that part and parcel of the duty of an intellectual is to serve as a voice of the marginalized, the oppressed, the IDIOTS, the exploited, the lowest members of the society and indeed to speak out—freely—in accordance with their consciences.”
For me, the implication is obvious – you’re imagining yourself as the intellectual and for others who wouldn’t agree with you as IDIOTS!
Better consult somebody who knows about psycho analysis. Other persons beside you will have a problem.
Just a lecturer? You, what the hell are you?
Your an idiotes of the highest order!
For your information, PUP is not just a business school!
Again, your presume implication is wrong!
For the crazy ones, perhaps psycho analysis will do; but for an idiotes like you: there’s no medicine, no institution, no cure!
Your a hopeless case!
@ de Vega
A lot of garbage items in your post but I prefer to tackle them one at a time. The way I see it, you’re very good in diverting the topic to distract the readers from the real issue.
Your problem with me is I don’t make any claim without supporting it with facts. I call you an idiot and that is for a fact.
Let’s get back to this one from your counter-comment to prove your idiocy (and shamelessness)-
I made a claim hat you’re a self-proclaimed intellectual and your retort –
“For the record, I never proclaimed myself as an intellectual!
I proclaimed myself as a philosopher!
Are you blind or what?
DO READ CAREFULLY, BECAUSE YOU ARE BASTARDIZING YOURSELF TO THE READERS OF THIS BLOG!
I already proclaimed myself! You, who are you?â€
And how you shamelessly bastardized yourself.
This one from your post –
“There is no iota of doubt that the intellectuals are the philosophers, the teachers, the writers, the poets, the artists and the like.â€
Intellectual= philosopher. (I really have to spell it out for you because you’re an idiot).
Actually, that is not my justification for labeling you an idiot.
It’s your gullibility for biting something you’re not supposed to bite.
Have you ever wonder that I can easily comment that you’re a self-proclaimed philosopher?
Instead, I used the word “intellectualâ€.
You did not get it because you’re an idiot.
I’ll let you settle this one first and I’ll return later for your other garbage.
BTW, there is no need for you to ask your friend from Anonymous Philippines to find me. Just click my handle and you’ll be directed to my facebook page. (Ugh, what can I do, you’re an idiot.)
Of course, this does not cover the ritualistic suicide that Japanese do. We are mostly seeing things from the western point of view here.
I was even expecting that general, Angelo Reyes, to be mentioned. Suicide is certainly so complex that some some people see it differently every time.
“Of course, this does not cover the ritualistic suicide that Japanese do. We are mostly seeing things from the western point of view here.”
So, what are you telling us? Are they in their correct faculty when they commit suicide?
You may also refer to “banzai charges” in wiki –
“Banzai Charge is considered as one method of Gyokusai (Japanese: çŽ‰ç •, literally “jade shards”; honorable suicide). It is a word used to describe the suicide attack, or the suicide before being captured by the enemy such as seppuku (Japanese: 切腹
…It was first reported during the invasion of China where banzai charges worked extremely well, possibly because the Chinese had slow-loading bolt action rifles and were unable to put up enough firepower to stop the charges.[citation needed]”
And then –
“However, during the U.S. raid on Makin island, on August 17th, 1942, the U.S. Marine Raiders attacking the island killed enemy gunners after spotting a first enemy machine gunner. The Japanese defenders then launched a banzai attack at them with rifles and swords but were stopped by superior American fire with rifles, Thompsons, and BARs that left dozens of Japanese dead. The Japanese mounted another banzai attack but once again, superior American firepower made the difference as the charge was stopped by M1 Garand rifles, BARs, and Thompson submachine guns. The Japanese Army had never heard of the M1 Garand semi-automatic rifle.”
You may say that they’re not the BS ritual Japanese suicide during WW2 but it’s still a suicide.
Those higher grade military personnel that has committed suicide, they did not do it for honor’s sake. They did it because there’s nothing left for them to do except to kill themselves.
I can also tell you that Reyes when he committed suicide is not in his correct faculty.
If he’s in his right mind, perhaps, he could have shot Trillanes first then kill himself.
Just like benign0 said, a comment from me – a small minded dude (and he’s the big minded dude)…
“If he’s in his right mind, perhaps, he could have shot Trillanes first then kill himself”
Hahaha, you got me my funny bone, tickled sir..
I had the impression you were defending suicide in some cases, but I guess I’m wrong. That’s a point I agree with, suicides not being in their right mind. I would put them together with school shooters. They seem to indicate a deficit in mental health care. That’s why I would push for increased mental health assistance from the state.
Dang, in one’s right mind, he could have done a lot indeed. hehe
@ChinoF
Though my feeling with those who committed suicide (except for those terrorists) is sympathy, I can agree with you that I’m sort of defending them.
Ritual suicide shouldn’t be taken in the same context as the tragedy at UP. (Unless anyone here knows something about the victim’s beliefs toward ritual suicide?) It’s a totally different situation.
And again the suicide ritual in Japan is seen more as a SACRIFICE for the preservation of a complex, highly developed sense of honor, a means of saving face and protecting one’s clan/family.
Yes, everything is different, as I would say. I would still not put much blame on the environment, because the decision to kill oneself after all is the person’s own, and so the responsibility rests there.
“There is but one truly serious philosophical problem, and that is
suicide.”
albert camus
I know Camus didn’t believe in suicide, but I wonder if he believed in the RIGHT to commit suicide?
no. he was against under all circumstances – also the general stance of
his contemporaries for varying reasons.
the age of enlightenment came later when philosophical thought was not so bound with religious thought.
Any criminal offense is something that you inflict harm to others.
Suicide is a criminal offense even with the Philippines law.
The trouble is when the offender is dead and then we’re going to hear from them that it’s moot and academic.
It’s very tragic for a young life to be snuffed, by such issue. She should had consulted a Psychiatrist. A Pill would had saved his life.
Just sharing. I have been suffering from depression since in my early teens. I always asked the question what is our purpose? We humans have always been doing our best to continue existing. I ask, for what? Inevitably one day, humans will go extinct, earth will be eaten by the sun and the universe will eventually dissolve. what is therefore out existence for if in the end, everything will go back to nothingness? I searched for answers in science and philosophy. But i think it got worse. Ignorance is bliss. My ignorance was taken away from me. I cannot find satisfaction in everyday life anymore. I always wonder how everyone manages to stay contented in this mundane existence. I think this is the reason why so many intellectuals in the past think before they took their lives. Please don’t think of me as just a ranting emo. Im just sharing my point of view of being suicidal. I know many won’t understand us. They just don’t know what’s going on inside our heads
Please seek professional help. Maybe your depression is due to chemical/hormonal imbalances in the brain or other physiologic causes that can be addressed.
I once entertained suicidal thoughts. And the reason I’m still here was that I recognized those thoughts & acknowledged that I needed help and that I cannot help myself. So I told my friend, who brought me to a very good counselor. There’s no shame in asking for help, please do.
Agree.
Find someone to talk to
? Self help group – there are many on internet.
Also dont let your thoughts consume you – paralysis by analysis – and find some appropriate alternative non-thinking activities.
Life is hard and often mundane.
It is a challenge to find balance but dont take on the meaning of life question!! That is depressing!!
Gin,as a Man in the Medical Field, I suggest you seek help. By admitting that you are suffering depression s a good sign.
A person admitting his condition either depression or any other disease is a sign that you are accepting treatment and needed help. Go to a psychiatrist, she will provide you with details and groups to help you cope together with medications to lessen your depression.
Every person suffer depression even normal people. Depression is a normal feeling and a coping mechanism of our self, but being depress about something or a situation that doesn’t require this coping mechanism is very dangerous ” May kasibihan nga tayo, Masama ang SOBRA”
Another example of how I tricked somebody in stupidly reacting.
I have posted this comment –
“(snip)
From where I am, I see these people as those who will not bother with religion. For these people, the above are not twisted logic but rather one’s right to choose. ACLU, NAMBLA, SFC (Sex Freedom Coalition) are their advocates.â€
(What was in my mind are the atheists but I want to do some exploration.)
Lo and behold, from webmaster benign0 who immediately reacted –
“@Trosp, that’s a pretty sweeping judgment of ‘atheists’, dude. I wonder though if you might be failing to appreciate that many of the wars, acts of terrorism, and other human atrocities that pockmark such as the Inquisition were perpetrated in the name of one “God†or another.â€
One of my proofs of my claim that benign0′s comprehension sucks.
I’m a small minded moron troll to him.
@Benign0, you told me to just ignore this bloody idiot, hence why are you replying to this idiotes?
@Trosp
Your the most idiotic creature that I’ve encountered in my entire life!
@ Jose Mario DV
Imagine if Washington Post Opinion Columnist George F. Will writes an article and his readers argued with him regarding his article, would George Will ignore these readers and think that questions on the issues he wrote will go away anyway if he did not respond to them? Not in America my friend or you lose your job. They are serious about matters like these. It is a responsibility to his employers and to the public that supports his employers. Remember that readers are the generators of advertisements.
You seem to be a reasonable individual with sufficient education. You have to realize that journalism is a responsibility, a grown mans game and as such requires responsible responses. Your regular visitor @Trosp, an equally responsible commenter here at GRP raised an issue with you regarding your article and you did nothing but took it to a personal level and name calling. I think you are doing this site a disservice with your irresponsible tantrums.
At least, this de Vega is exposed for his idiocy. Just read his comments in this post he he he…
I can only imagine a cornered rat…
He can’t even comprehend his own posted comments! And he claimed he is a lecturer! A lecturer! Jeez…
He he he…our exchanges of pleasantries here would be a record of his fearless stand on idiocy. The “better be labeled an idiot rather than admitting a mistake” principle.
And I can speculate that he is the type of person that benign0 and this commenter dude would like to have as a company.
THE COLLEGE OF ARTS, DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY AT THE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES WILL BE VERY PROUD OF HIM AS THEIR LECTURER.
“How To Be An Ineffective Cyber Bully”
or
“How To Play Dumb Even It Is Obvious You’re An Idiot”
THE COLLEGE OF ARTS, DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY AT THE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES WILL BE VERY PROUD OF YOU AS THEIR LECTURER.
Your threat –
“INUULIT KO, KUPAL, HINAHAMON KITA NG DUWELO: SUNTUKAN TAYO, BASAGAN NG MUKHA!”
Lapuks,
Bring it on.
Pwera lang ang basagan ng mukha. Agrabyado ako. Kitang-kita naman na wala ng babasagin sa mukha (reputasyon) mo.
See you around de Vega.
This de Vega guy, according to his comment, would ask his friends in Anonymous Philippines to locate me.
I might be wrong. It seems it’s deleted.
Maybe they simply need peace. Wanting peace isn’t insanity.