1 The Apparent Anomaly of Self-Destructive Behavior
Abstract
Everything naturally loves itself and preserves itself in being; suicide is against natural inclination and contrary to the charity which a man ought to bear towards himself.11In Summa Theologica, as quoted by Westermarck, 1908, pp. 252-254.—Thomas AquinasSelf-murder is a crime most remote from the common nature of all animals.22The historian of the first century A.D., as quoted by Winslow, 1940, p. 18.—JosephusThe act of self-destruction rudely challenges our supposed love of life and fear of death.33In Seiden, 1966, p. 389.3—Seiden