A World Where CTB Was Accepted

[Partial-Elf]

I was running through this as a thought experiment the other day: to live in a world where a person's decision to CTB would be respected rather than treated as a tragedy.

I would plan a big party rather than having a funeral. Friends and family would all congratulate me and tell me how much they loved me–no one would try to stop me or make me feel guilty. We'd all be dressed to the nines and very drunk. Someone would make a toast. Music and glitter.

During the months leading up to the appointment, I would meet up with people who've been truly special in my life–mentors, closest friends, and a few past lovers. We'd have drawn out brunches and lots of coffee and get vulnerable one last time.

At work they'd give me a hero's farewell. They'd highlight the contributions I've made and give me some little gift bags of things I almost like. I'd clean out my desk and turn in my keys and shake a lot of hands on the way out.

I'd probably travel somewhere after that just because... Don't know where though. Maybe Thailand?

When I got back home I'd work with a lawyer to get everything set up. Getting the legal papers for my physician-assisted suicide would be quick and painless. I'd divide any funds remaining after death between family, a local scholarship, and a nonprofit whose mission I strongly agree with.

With everything in place, I'd schedule an appointment with a doctor specializing in physician-assisted suicide. I'd say goodbye to my family a week or so before, then just have a few quiet days of sitting on the porch, painting, and writing before packing everything up and shipping it off or donating it.

On the day of the appointment, the room would be comfortable rather than sterile. Plants, natural light, leather chairs with blankets, rugs. They would leave me alone with the capsule, which I would take, and that would be it: goodbye cruel world. Full stop. Period.

 

[Lifeisatrap]

I fantasize about this all the time. Would be the closest thing to a perfect world in my opinion.

 

[Hollie]

Something I read about a while ago

"In Rome, suicide was never a general offense in law, though the whole approach to the question was essentially pragmatic. This is illustrated by the example given by Valerius Maximum of the colony of Massalia (present day Marseilles), where those who wanted to kill themselves merely applied to the Massalian Senate, and if their reasons were judged sound they were then given hemlock free of charge."

I feel like we've moved backwards on this particular issue

 

[letmeseethedeath]

I was running through this as a thought experiment the other day: to live in a world where a person's decision to CTB would be respected rather than treated as a tragedy.

I would plan a big party rather than having a funeral. Friends and family would all congratulate me and tell me how much they loved me–no one would try to stop me or make me feel guilty. We'd all be dressed to the nines and very drunk. Someone would make a toast. Music and glitter.

During the months leading up to the appointment, I would meet up with people who've been truly special in my life–mentors, closest friends, and a few past lovers. We'd have drawn out brunches and lots of coffee and get vulnerable one last time.

At work they'd give me a hero's farewell. They'd highlight the contributions I've made and give me some little gift bags of things I almost like. I'd clean out my desk and turn in my keys and shake a lot of hands on the way out.

I'd probably travel somewhere after that just because... Don't know where though. Maybe Thailand?

When I got back home I'd work with a lawyer to get everything set up. Getting the legal papers for my physician-assisted suicide would be quick and painless. I'd divide any funds remaining after death between family, a local scholarship, and a nonprofit whose mission I strongly agree with.

With everything in place, I'd schedule an appointment with a doctor specializing in physician-assisted suicide. I'd say goodbye to my family a week or so before, then just have a few quiet days of sitting on the porch, painting, and writing before packing everything up and shipping it off or donating it.

On the day of the appointment, the room would be comfortable rather than sterile. Plants, natural light, leather chairs with blankets, rugs. They would leave me alone with the capsule, which I would take, and that would be it: goodbye cruel world. Full stop. Period.

I always talk about this with my closest friend and she told me she will do a big party when i'm gone lol

 

[Jiva]

The nice dream. Nothing more, i think. Pity.

 

[CJM]

It's funny how so many champion the rights to do this and that but death? Woah dont even go there.

 

[Jenna]

Gosh I wish we could do that. It makes me crazy what we are forced to do. It's nice to think about.

 

[Titania]

I don't think it'll ever be that perfect yet only a dream. Everyone fears death and fears losing someone they love over death.

 

[Partial-Elf]

I was running through this as a thought experiment the other day: to live in a world where a person's decision to CTB would be respected rather than treated as a tragedy.

I would plan a big party rather than having a funeral. If friends and extended family wanted to share stories or say some words in parting there they could. They would all congratulate me and tell me how much they loved me–no one would try to stop me or make me feel guilty. We'd all be dressed to the nines and very drunk. Music and glitter.

During the months leading up to the party I would meet up with people who've been truly special in my life–mentors, closest friends, and a few past lovers. We'd have drawn out brunches and lots of coffee and get vulnerable one last time.

At work they'd give me a hero's farewell. They'd highlight the contributions I've made and give me some little gift bags of things I almost like. I'd clean out my desk and turn in my keys and shake a lot of hands on the way out.

I'd probably travel somewhere after that just because... Don't know where though.

When I got back home I'd work with a lawyer to get everything set up. Getting the legal papers for my physician-assisted suicide would be quick and painless. I'd divide any funds remaining after death between family, a local scholarship, and a nonprofit whose mission I strongly agree with.

Then when it was time I'd schedule an appointment with a doctor specializing in physician-assisted suicide. I'd say goodbye to my family a week or so before, then just have a few quiet days of sitting on the porch, painting, and writing before packing everything up and shipping it off or donating it.

On the day of the appointment, the room would be comfortable rather than sterile. Plants, natural light, leather chairs with blankets, rugs. They would leave me alone with the capsule, which I would take, and that would be it: goodbye cruel world. Full stop. Period.

Something I read about a while ago

"In Rome, suicide was never a general offense in law, though the whole approach to the question was essentially pragmatic. This is illustrated by the example given by Valerius Maximum of the colony of Massalia (present day Marseilles), where those who wanted to kill themselves merely applied to the Massalian Senate, and if their reasons were judged sound they were then given hemlock free of charge."

I feel like we've moved backwards on this particular issue

It's funny how so many champion the rights to do this and that but death? Woah dont even go there.

It's funny how so many champion the rights to do this and that but death? Woah dont even go there.

I don't think it'll ever be that perfect yet only a dream. Everyone fears death and fears losing someone they love over death.

Honestly the fear of death in our culture is so bizarre and childish. I remember at my grandma's funeral they:

1. Applied makeup, etc to make the body look lifelike for the showing
2. Covered the coffin and stage in flowers, the symbol of life
3. Talked about how "she's not dead, she's with the Lord now in his sweet embrace... and happily ever after"
4. Locked her corpse up in a box and buried it in the ground where no one will ever have to go or think about it again

Is it really that hard to accept that an 80-something year old woman is just dead and gone?

 

[borntodie777]

It's funny how so many champion the rights to do this and that but death? Woah dont even go there.

It will get better just be yourself :) /s

 

[Final Escape]

I was running through this as a thought experiment the other day: to live in a world where a person's decision to CTB would be respected rather than treated as a tragedy.

I would plan a big party rather than having a funeral. Friends and family would all congratulate me and tell me how much they loved me–no one would try to stop me or make me feel guilty. We'd all be dressed to the nines and very drunk. Someone would make a toast. Music and glitter.

During the months leading up to the appointment, I would meet up with people who've been truly special in my life–mentors, closest friends, and a few past lovers. We'd have drawn out brunches and lots of coffee and get vulnerable one last time.

At work they'd give me a hero's farewell. They'd highlight the contributions I've made and give me some little gift bags of things I almost like. I'd clean out my desk and turn in my keys and shake a lot of hands on the way out.

I'd probably travel somewhere after that just because... Don't know where though. Maybe Thailand?

When I got back home I'd work with a lawyer to get everything set up. Getting the legal papers for my physician-assisted suicide would be quick and painless. I'd divide any funds remaining after death between family, a local scholarship, and a nonprofit whose mission I strongly agree with.

With everything in place, I'd schedule an appointment with a doctor specializing in physician-assisted suicide. I'd say goodbye to my family a week or so before, then just have a few quiet days of sitting on the porch, painting, and writing before packing everything up and shipping it off or donating it.

On the day of the appointment, the room would be comfortable rather than sterile. Plants, natural light, leather chairs with blankets, rugs. They would leave me alone with the capsule, which I would take, and that would be it: goodbye cruel world. Full stop. Period.

This sounds amazing :)

 

[bigj75]

Honestly the fear of death in our culture is so bizarre and childish. I remember at my grandma's funeral they:

1. Applied makeup, etc to make the body look lifelike for the showing
2. Covered the coffin and stage in flowers, the symbol of life
3. Talked about how "she's not dead, she's with the Lord now in his sweet embrace... and happily ever after"
4. Locked her corpse up in a box and buried it in the ground where no one will ever have to go or think about it ever again

Is it really that hard to accept that an 80-something year old woman is just dead and gone?

People have gotten weaker over time. The fear of death used to be an honor of death at one point. Spartans are an example.
It was natural but respected. People died and everyone appreciated their efforts and bravery in life and then continued on with life.

 

[Deivis]

Cool idea, btw!

But anyone with enough money can pull this trick - you just throw a huge party, call for as many guests as you want, greet them and treat them, and when the clock strikes 23:58 you just say "Excuse me for a minute", go upstairs and drink a vial of some lethal potion. Very Hellenic/Romanic... :)

 

[Xerxes]

Read up on the Samurai of Japan. They felt that Seppuku was honorable and a way to preserve dignity within the clan, and not bring shame to the family.

In Star Trek novella, the Klingons viewed death as honorable. "Today is always a good day to die" was their mantra. Death was honorable in battle or taking your own life.

 

[Partial-Elf]

Read up on the Samurai of Japan. They felt that Seppuku was honorable and a way to preserve dignity within the clan, and not bring shame to the family.

In Star Trek novella, the Klingons viewed death as honorable. "Today is always a good day to die" was their mantra. Death was honorable in battle or taking your own life.

First, severing your own aorta and bleeding out is metal as fuck. WTH. I wonder if the common people hung themselves?

Second, while reading about female seppuku on Wikipedia I found:

"Before committing suicide, a woman would often tie her knees together so her body would be found in a dignified pose, despite the convulsions of death."

Wouldn't want the invading army to find you dead with your legs spread. These women couldn't escape gender based expectations of modesty even in death. Somehow I find it mind blowing that this was what was going through their heads in this context.

 

[15dec]

People have gotten weaker over time. The fear of death used to be an honor of death at one point. Spartans are an example.
It was natural but respected. People died and everyone appreciated their efforts and bravery in life and then continued on with life.

Read up on the Samurai of Japan. They felt that Seppuku was honorable and a way to preserve dignity within the clan, and not bring shame to the family.

In Star Trek novella, the Klingons viewed death as honorable. "Today is always a good day to die" was their mantra. Death was honorable in battle or taking your own life.

It's really interesting to see how it's all changed now. I wonder what made society almost collectively begin to fear and dread death to the point of preferring people to live in vegetative states or keeping people with terminal illnesses alive and in pain for as long as in possible.

 

[Xerxes]

It's really interesting to see how it's all changed now. I wonder what made society almost collectively begin to fear and dread death to the point of preferring people to live in vegetative states or keeping people with terminal illnesses alive and in pain for as long as in possible.

It's mostly a Western thing. I traveled to East Asia and they accept death as a natural occurrence whether accidental or suicidal. In Vietnam, death is seen as moving on from the physical realm to another realm. A reincarnation of sorts except you bring karma into your next life. In China, they don't give a fuck, since death is seen as a convenience, whereas keeping someone alive is an inconvenience. You hit someone with your car in China, you will be paying for their health bills forever, but if you "double-tap" with your car, the punishment is lesser.

Developing countries don't have the time or resources to keep people alive at all costs unlike developed countries who have the technology to prolong life.

 

[Partial-Elf]

It's mostly a Western thing. I traveled to East Asia and they accept death as a natural occurrence whether accidental or suicidal. In Vietnam, death is seen as moving on from the physical realm to another realm. A reincarnation of sorts except you bring karma into your next life. In China, they don't give a fuck, since death is seen as a convenience, whereas keeping someone alive is an inconvenience. You hit someone with your car in China, you will be paying for their health bills forever, but if you "double-tap" with your car, the punishment is lesser.

Developing countries don't have the time or resources to keep people alive at all costs unlike developed countries who have the technology to prolong life.

Probably because we're so individualistic in our thinking here. The way most Americans think, what you do is your own choice and independent of larger demographic and economic patterns. You deserve and will receive the unmitigated blame or praise for whatever action. Kind of reminds me of active and passive voice in writing

 

[Lena]

If people were that good to you and that accepting, I'm sure you wouldn't want to CTB in the first place.

 

[bigj75]

It's really interesting to see how it's all changed now. I wonder what made society almost collectively begin to fear and dread death to the point of preferring people to live in vegetative states or keeping people with terminal illnesses alive and in pain for as long as in possible.

Greed of money and lack of logic. Terminally ill, sick, suicidal, etc make people alot of money. Then of course people letting emotions cloud their logic and judgement.

 

[MsM3talGamer]

Big Pharma likes to keep the terminally ill alive for the profits. Cancer is one of their cash cows and they make a helluva lot of money off chemo, meds, etc.

 

[15dec]

Greed of money and lack of logic. Terminally ill, sick, suicidal, etc make people alot of money. Then of course people letting emotions cloud their logic and judgement.

Yeah, exactly what I was thinking. Make us more fearful of death and you make us more willing to pay thousands to keep ourselves and anyone else alive years past our due dates.

 

[tiredofchronicpain]

I was running through this as a thought experiment the other day: to live in a world where a person's decision to CTB would be respected rather than treated as a tragedy.

I would plan a big party rather than having a funeral. Friends and family would all congratulate me and tell me how much they loved me–no one would try to stop me or make me feel guilty. We'd all be dressed to the nines and very drunk. Someone would make a toast. Music and glitter.

During the months leading up to the appointment, I would meet up with people who've been truly special in my life–mentors, closest friends, and a few past lovers. We'd have drawn out brunches and lots of coffee and get vulnerable one last time.

At work they'd give me a hero's farewell. They'd highlight the contributions I've made and give me some little gift bags of things I almost like. I'd clean out my desk and turn in my keys and shake a lot of hands on the way out.

I'd probably travel somewhere after that just because... Don't know where though. Maybe Thailand?

When I got back home I'd work with a lawyer to get everything set up. Getting the legal papers for my physician-assisted suicide would be quick and painless. I'd divide any funds remaining after death between family, a local scholarship, and a nonprofit whose mission I strongly agree with.

With everything in place, I'd schedule an appointment with a doctor specializing in physician-assisted suicide. I'd say goodbye to my family a week or so before, then just have a few quiet days of sitting on the porch, painting, and writing before packing everything up and shipping it off or donating it.

On the day of the appointment, the room would be comfortable rather than sterile. Plants, natural light, leather chairs with blankets, rugs. They would leave me alone with the capsule, which I would take, and that would be it: goodbye cruel world. Full stop. Period.

The Governments will never allow individuals to commit suicide. We are way to valuable for the state. Instead, they place us in "brick cubicles" they call "Psych wards"; this is even worse than being suicidal. At least in Psych-wards you are monitored.

So is taking your own life a right? Test it. Go tell the cops you are going to take your own life - if you are in big-brother world like New Zealand(the worst place to be suicidal), you will get "wellness checks" as well as being confiscated at best from your method.
There is no shortage of articles on how New Zealand Govt. bullies and harass their citizens. A recent article from Dr.Phillip Nitschke showed how ridiculous New Zealand and ad hoc first wold countries can be. Just google "euthanasia police roadblocks" and you will find a ridiculous roadblock was thrown for the euthanasia campaigners - a woman in her 90's was reduced to tears after having her whole house govt. censored by cameras. They were stripped from their N as well.

In fact, instead of making important healthcare changes like insuring subsidies to Health facilities creating cuts in cheaper pain medication, for the chronically impaired - and arming the depressed people with cheap pharmaceuticals, they throw you in a psych ward to keep you from "harming" yourself.

"suicide prevention" is marketed as an antidote to "suicidal tendencies". Suicide prevention or "pro-lifers" are the biggest blue pill bunch you can find on earth. They are similar to "white knights" in MGTOW lingo.

What you find at the root of their business aren't empathetic individuals willing to fund medical aids for the physical broken, or mentally restricted, but for "awareness raising" to generate another stock of where only they can become rich.
This is satanic.

So no, we are worse off than slaves. To me being a slave is one thing, but keeping and individual a slave to a life he/she despise and at the same time playing possum by is looking for trouble. And we will get more angry individuals doing harm as a result of this foul play from the states which goes overboard with power:

"Unlike other countries, New Zealand has criminal laws governing what can and can't be said when it comes to suicide, or suspected suicide."

This is only New Zealand, Australia is similar whereby the cops would wilfully pay you "visits" when you flirt with the idea of death.
So is suicide really a right respected by the Government? Or are Governments tress-passing on human rights both on ethical kantian and Platonic grounds?

Governments are the greatest evil to humanity.

'The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing' Edmund Burke

 

[Pulpit2018]

@tiredofchronicpain

Wow,its like i wrote that.I could not agree more.
They are behaving like a cult that says "Life is great and we are going to force that view on you!"

 

[TAW122]

This sounds like an ideal world that I would live in for sure. There are a few differences in what my last days would be, video games, hugs, maybe safe sex with consenting people before I went, enjoying the last vices including a last meal, and then peacefully, painlessly drift into eternal unconsciousness.

@tiredofchronicpain Wow, those countries' govt's are really, really evil. While I'm not a condoner or sanction of violence, I could see how some people, if they are forced to be alive against their will, then out of desperation they would just fight for the sake of fighting or otherwise cause damage until their (natural) death. I mean, it's no different than not putting down a wounded animal and making it suffer until it's (natural) end. While the wounded animal lives it lashes out causing more damage than if it was given a humane death.

From a logical standpoint, they did away with the death penalty, so that means one would not be able to commit suicide via death penalty, not that I condone or agree with that.... (The irony of the death penalty in the US is that one could commit crimes worthy of death penalty and be executed yet one isn't allowed to suicide and forced to live via being locked up in the psychward, being drugged against one's will, and what not).

 

[tiredofchronicpain]

This sounds like an ideal world that I would live in for sure. There are a few differences in what my last days would be, video games, hugs, maybe safe sex with consenting people before I went, enjoying the last vices including a last meal, and then peacefully, painlessly drift into eternal unconsciousness.

@tiredofchronicpain Wow, those countries' govt's are really, really evil. While I'm not a condoner or sanction of violence, I could see how some people, if they are forced to be alive against their will, then out of desperation they would just fight for the sake of fighting or otherwise cause damage until their (natural) death. I mean, it's no different than not putting down a wounded animal and making it suffer until it's (natural) end. While the wounded animal lives it lashes out causing more damage than if it was given a humane death.

From a logical standpoint, they did away with the death penalty, so that means one would not be able to commit suicide via death penalty, not that I condone or agree with that.... (The irony of the death penalty in the US is that one could commit crimes worthy of death penalty and be executed yet one isn't allowed to suicide and forced to live via being locked up in the psychward, being drugged against one's will, and what not).

From a logical standpoint, they did away with the death penalty, so that means one would not be able to commit suicide via death penalty

Yes, we are treading on murky waters here. The death penalty sanction someone to a death outside of their will. This is also not a peaceful death like the one you give an animal. The issue with suicide is something different; that is, when one wants to die and the state imposes a bottleneck situation to withhold that individual from their own right to die or to live, in order to favour itself. This is immoral.

 

[Partial-Elf]

From a logical standpoint, they did away with the death penalty, so that means one would not be able to commit suicide via death penalty

Yes, we are treading on murky waters here. The death penalty sanction someone to a death outside of their will. This is also not a peaceful death like the one you give an animal. The issue with suicide is something different; that is, when one wants to die and the state imposes a bottleneck situation to withhold that individual from their own right to die or to live, in order to favour itself. This is immoral.

You articulated that so well. Sometimes I think, "when exactly did we sign away so much of our freedom to these people?" The amount of control that they have over our lives (and deaths) is absurd. It seems like they just assumed control over these things and there was no one to rebuff them.

I've been trying to decide what I think about the death penalty. What I decided is that it should be voluntary. If you're in prison, especially serving a long sentence with little hope of parole, you should not be obstructed from killing your self and should actually be helped to do so, even if that just means providing a noose, instructions, and solitary space. Of course, you should be allowed to do that anyway, but... baby steps.

One might suppose that prisoners aren't allowed to off themselves because prisons would lose money, or because "its a violation of a certain kind of contract." Hmm.

 

[tiredofchronicpain]

You articulated that so well. Sometimes I think, "when exactly did we sign away so much of our freedom to these people?" The amount of control that they have over our lives (and deaths) is absurd. It seems like they just assumed control over these things and there was no one to rebuff them.

I've been trying to decide what I think about the death penalty and what I decided is that it should be voluntary. If you're in prison, especially serving a long sentence with little hope of parole, you should not be obstructed from killing your self and should actually be helped to do so. Of course, you should be allowed to do that anyway, but... baby steps. Of course, if we let prisoners off themselves, the jails would lose money and we can't have that.

I agree with you 100%. Death penalty should be voluntary. However, fuck the state. Forceful legislation will happen in any community. If you "wrong" someone or a family, they will comeback with affirmative action against you.

We really do not need a state at all. We need a community of tribesmen dedicated to trade a tit for a tat. Think about how many items you buy and the "tax" you pay on it. That tax is unneccesary without a government dictating the gold price and how much "worth" something is. That is the fallacy of special pleading to think we need governments at all and they are doing anything we can't, wrong.

In a community where no set rules exist, the world will still even itself out. Governments today is the white elephant no one addresses because they assume we need them to keep us in our prams; they do not work symbiotic with the citizens as many believe, if you pay GST/tax it still favours the Governments more than us, which is the reason many graduates can't get jobs today and none of this can be said of Prime ministers or politicians; they have enough to get by, while citizens struggle to make a decent living, so following the comparative advantage law, shouldn't a hard working citizen be richer than a politician doing the same ample amount of work?

Governments win and we lose. The fat lady has sung.

 

[Zzzzz]

What you are describing would be a very mature and compassionate society.

 

[LastDay]

Hell yeah, I would even settle for 25 cent suicide booths like in Futurama.