Posted by Petra on August 09, 1998 at 01:37:19:
In Reply to: Re: Suicide equals weakness? posted by Kathy S on August 08, 1998 at 22:07:27:
Kathy and Elaine,
as for the general characterization of suicide, I agree with you, Elaine. People who commit suicide are usually not the fighter type. But I can also see what you are saying, Kathy, especially about people's motives being complicated, at least in real life.
You are trying to explain possible reasons, and that's all true. Maybe there is more to human weekness than just being a character flaw. Weekness can also mean that someone is more sensitive, more emotionally touched by the same events that may not get to another person in the same way. Sensibility would hardly be regarded as a character flaw. Some people just go through life being more open and touchable than others, and often it is this sensibility that allows these people to produce outstanding art, music or literature.
I once heard a psychologist who councels people with addictions describe human weekness like that. I didn't agree with him then, but now I can see his point. Although I find it easier to relate to stronger and maybe less sensitive personalities.
Petra