more from Seneca the Younger

Single Idea 13320

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / F. Life Issues / 4. Suicide]

Full Idea

There are times when, however pressing one's reasons to the contrary, one's dying breath must be held back as it is passing one's lips, even if this is torture, simply out of consideration for one's dear ones.

Gist of Idea

Sometimes we have a duty not to commit suicide, for those we love

Source

Seneca the Younger (Letters from a Stoic [c.60], 104)

Book Reference

Seneca: 'Letters from a Stoic (Selections)', ed/tr. Campbell,Robin [Penguin 1969], p.184


A Reaction

This is, of course, a highly significant counterbalance to his normal acceptance of suicide. I wish anyone who is planning suicide would heed it. They have no idea how much suffering will usually result from their action.