What can really save us from ourselves ? Religion cannot. Popularity cannot. Good intentions cannot. Money cannot. Fame cannot.
August 14, 2006 3:04 PM   Subscribe

What can really save us from ourselves ? Religion cannot. Popularity cannot. Good intentions cannot. Money cannot. Fame cannot.

In other words, what can make sure we don't commit suicide out of self hatred or out of avoiding learning a lesson about life ?


I said religion cannot because look at people like Vincent van Gogh --- a very religious man ---- who killed themselves.


Thank you very much for your input.
posted by studentguru to Religion & Philosophy (15 answers total)

This post was deleted for the following reason: just stop.

 
Hope.
posted by solid-one-love at 3:09 PM on August 14, 2006


Empathy. Sympathy. Perspective.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 3:09 PM on August 14, 2006


To each his own. Just because van Gogh offed himself, doesn't religion didn't save others.

You have to find your own way.
posted by deadfather at 3:09 PM on August 14, 2006


Service unto your betters.
posted by ba at 3:13 PM on August 14, 2006


Chatfilter.
posted by mr_roboto at 3:15 PM on August 14, 2006


I'm not sure I entirely understand the question. Most people don't commit suicide because humans are born with a very powerful will to live. People who are suicidal have serious psychological problems that require treatment.

Also, different things help for different people. For many people, religion can be a huge help. For others, it doesn't do a thing. It varies according to who you're talking about.
posted by magodesky at 3:17 PM on August 14, 2006


Genetically imprinted instinct for self-preservation?

Logistics?
posted by fuzzbean at 3:17 PM on August 14, 2006


Less self.
posted by Matt Oneiros at 3:17 PM on August 14, 2006


Enjoying life, both short term and long term, is probably the best solution.

At least, it's been working for me so far.
posted by aubilenon at 3:17 PM on August 14, 2006


you're obnoxious, go away
posted by thirteenkiller at 3:17 PM on August 14, 2006


Response by poster: Some pretty profound answers here.

I am looking for one tool that if practised or possessed will guarantee the strength to go on living and learning in spite of the setbacks.

If you look at the suggestions so far and think about it , people who outwardly have money, fame, love, friends, selfless service to others, hope, popularity, faiths in the creators, etc .............. I can always think of a famous person who had everything and still killed themselves.

I want one thing that I can practise or have that can save me and others from killing the self.
posted by studentguru at 3:25 PM on August 14, 2006


Less weed.
posted by cillit bang at 3:25 PM on August 14, 2006


a sexy wife
posted by 29 at 3:27 PM on August 14, 2006 [1 favorite]


Being among a community of your peers. In your case, MySpace.
posted by riotgrrl69 at 3:28 PM on August 14, 2006


For me it's children and the simple pleasures in life. Food, sex, drink, a walk outdoors.

The desire to protect my children and see them grow into adulthood is hardwired into my brain in a way unexplicable to those without children. Simply put, they are my purpose in life.

Enjoyment of the small things in life are simply the gravy on top.
posted by Argyle at 3:28 PM on August 14, 2006


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