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Or perhaps the poster is being downvoted for the cruel and sloppy generalization, just like the one you just made. Exactly what does this contribute? Brillian

Or perhaps the poster is being downvoted for the cruel and sloppy generalization, just like the one you just made. Exactly what does this contribute? Brilliant programmers are "presumed" to be rational; suicide is an irrational act; therefore... what? "Physical trauma that occurred and ended 20 years ago is not the kind of thing a rational mind would choose suicide as a solution to." Childhood sexual abuse is not the kind of thing that lends itself to a rational emotional state. If you read Bill's note, you'll observe that he recognized this fact, sought help, and obtained little. Maybe all he needed was someone like you to tell him to "get more rational".

uriel 16y ago
> suicide is an irrational act Even this is very arguable, there are plenty of perfectly rational reasons for suicide.
- gbog 16y ago
  Yes. For instance, someone who is given an impossible choice, during war may commit suicide to show his disagreement. Rationality is sometime cultural, which is difficult to accept to rational minds, including me. For instance, in old China, if someone did something very bad against you, the "rational" way to get revenge was to commit suicide in front of the door of this someone. It would bring an awfull lot of shit on his head, more than what you could do by staying alive...