Freethought & Rationalism Archive

topane · 03-26-2003, 12:25 PM

I've always thought that I wouldn't want to know that death was coming. I think I'd rather die in my sleep or have a safe fall on me from 200 feet or even be assassinated (yeah, I know, I'm not famous) ala JFK. Just walking along then bang - it's over.

Would you want to know it's coming? Or would you rather just pop out of existence?

Kinross · 03-26-2003, 12:51 PM

I would like to be in control of my own death. If I don't die from accidental means then I plan to die on my own terms.

tronvillain · 03-26-2003, 12:55 PM

Well, I would like to know exactly when it was coming and from what, assuming I am not on death row or something. Beyond that, quick and painless would be good, since long and painful is not an experience I am especially interested in.

AquaVita · 03-26-2003, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tronvillain
since long and painful is not an experience I am especially interested in.

Wierdo.

beth · 03-26-2003, 01:01 PM

I don't wanna die.

mike_decock · 03-26-2003, 01:01 PM

I'd like a week's notice to say goodbye to friends and family, settle my affairs, throw a big party with lots of strippers, etc, etc.

-Mike...

Jamie_L · 03-26-2003, 01:05 PM

Unless I'm taken out in one swift motion, I will go kicking and screaming, lingering on as long as possible, with a white-knuckle death-grip (so to speak) on what little sliver of existence I may still possess at the end.

Or something.

Jamie

Malcolm · 03-26-2003, 01:22 PM

I worked in a remote hospital in South Africa for some years, where death was a common event. The most impressive death I have ever seen occured there.

An old lady was admitted and was clearly dying, but with no discernable or treatable cause. After about 2 weeks of investigation and supportive treatment there was no improvement. One Sunday afternoon she called her extended famly to her bedside (I was further down the ward). She told them all how wished to distribute her meagre personal belongings. They sang together and prayed before she sent them away. Although she was weak and old, she was fully alert and happy. An hour after the family had left her bed-side she was dead.

I no longer believe in her God, but I have much admiration for her control and serenity. I would love to be able to go like that.

Godless Dave · 03-26-2003, 01:54 PM

You don't have an option for "Cackling madly while hurtling down a steep hill on a mountain bike."

Of the options available in the poll, I'll take #2. I'd like to reflect a little bit and come up with some last words (preferably in haiku form) right before I nod off.

Doubting Didymus · 03-26-2003, 02:18 PM

I'd hang on as long as I could, just to piss off anyone who's waiting for their inheritance. Then I'd leave it all to charity at the last minute.

View Poll Results: How would you rather die?
I don't even want to know it's coming. Take me in my sleep!	58	57.43%
I'd like a couple of minutes to reflect/pray/curse fate.	10	9.90%
I want to know a week in advance. I want to see my friends/family one last time.	18	17.82%
I'd linger for months if it meant I could still live.	15	14.85%
Voters: 101. You may not vote on this poll

03-26-2003, 12:25 PM	#1
topane Regular Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: SE Pennsylvania Posts: 193	How would you rather die? I've always thought that I wouldn't want to know that death was coming. I think I'd rather die in my sleep or have a safe fall on me from 200 feet or even be assassinated (yeah, I know, I'm not famous) ala JFK. Just walking along then bang - it's over. Would you want to know it's coming? Or would you rather just pop out of existence?

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03-26-2003, 12:51 PM	#2
Kinross Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: . Posts: 1,281	I would like to be in control of my own death. If I don't die from accidental means then I plan to die on my own terms.

03-26-2003, 12:55 PM	#3
tronvillain Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 5,658	Well, I would like to know exactly when it was coming and from what, assuming I am not on death row or something. Beyond that, quick and painless would be good, since long and painful is not an experience I am especially interested in.

03-26-2003, 01:01 PM	#5
beth Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: where orange blossoms bloom... Posts: 1,802	I don't wanna die.

03-26-2003, 01:01 PM	#6
mike_decock Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,505	I'd like a week's notice to say goodbye to friends and family, settle my affairs, throw a big party with lots of strippers, etc, etc. -Mike...

03-26-2003, 01:05 PM	#7
Jamie_L Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: U.S. Posts: 2,565	Unless I'm taken out in one swift motion, I will go kicking and screaming, lingering on as long as possible, with a white-knuckle death-grip (so to speak) on what little sliver of existence I may still possess at the end. Or something. Jamie

03-26-2003, 01:22 PM	#8
Malcolm Regular Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: England Posts: 124	I worked in a remote hospital in South Africa for some years, where death was a common event. The most impressive death I have ever seen occured there. An old lady was admitted and was clearly dying, but with no discernable or treatable cause. After about 2 weeks of investigation and supportive treatment there was no improvement. One Sunday afternoon she called her extended famly to her bedside (I was further down the ward). She told them all how wished to distribute her meagre personal belongings. They sang together and prayed before she sent them away. Although she was weak and old, she was fully alert and happy. An hour after the family had left her bed-side she was dead. I no longer believe in her God, but I have much admiration for her control and serenity. I would love to be able to go like that.

03-26-2003, 01:54 PM	#9
Godless Dave Contributor Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: With 10,000 lakes who needs a coast? Posts: 10,762	You don't have an option for "Cackling madly while hurtling down a steep hill on a mountain bike." Of the options available in the poll, I'll take #2. I'd like to reflect a little bit and come up with some last words (preferably in haiku form) right before I nod off.

03-26-2003, 02:18 PM	#10
Doubting Didymus Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: East Coast. Australia. Posts: 5,455	I'd hang on as long as I could, just to piss off anyone who's waiting for their inheritance. Then I'd leave it all to charity at the last minute.

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