The Ethics of Early and Pain-Free Death: A Personal Reflection
Reflecting on the question, ldquo;Do you prefer to happily die or painfully live?rdquo;, reveals a profound exploration into the depths of human existence. Living happily is often regarded as a fundamental right, but what if life entails unrelenting pain?
The Uncomfortable Choice
Considering the scenario where I would prefer to wake up one morning after a routine pleasant day and a good night's sleep and simply be gone, this choice is not made out of fear or dread. Rather, it is a calculated decision to avoid prolonged suffering. Every day should bring joy and fulfillment; when life becomes a source of continuous pain, the idea of ceasing in such a state resonates deeply.
This preference to die early rather than live painfully is a result of years of enduring constant unrelenting pain due to a rare disease. Over the last decade, high doses of oxymorphone became a necessity, yet advancements in IV pain treatments allowed me to live without opiates. However, the pain and mental anguish remain, and they've led me to this very contemplation.
The Last Task and Peaceful Departure
Before I depart, there is one task that must be completed. This reiterates the importance of using the time one has to bring closure and honor personal commitments. Once this task is fulfilled, I plan to choose the time and place of my death, ensuring a pain-free journey.
The Acceptance of Mortality
Accepting one's mortality can be liberating. I don't equate a long life with a good life. Instead, I focus on the quality of life. For instance, in middle school, I never valued being super healthy. I believed in happiness over misery. Similar to dealing with mental illness, the quest is to live the best life possible, regardless of the duration. As I faced cyberstalking and the harsh reality of how people can be, I became more aware of the importance of a pain-free existence.
Theorizing that to live is a form of suffering and to die brings peace, it is a perspective that captures a significant part of the human experience. Life and death are interconnected, and each plays a crucial role in shaping our existence. Often, the fear of pain and suffering can overshadow the value of living, leading to a sense of dread about the inevitable.
Conclusion: Embracing the Final Peace
Ultimately, embracing the final peace of death, free from pain, can be seen as a form of liberation. Just as many seek happiness in life, so too can one find solace and freedom in the resolution of pain and suffering. In this sense, the choice to end one's life early rather than enduring continuous pain is a profound statement on the value of a quality existence.