General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: "Cowardly, Selfish" [View all]bhikkhu
(10,715 posts)...much less entertain arguments like "he was so rich, what could he have to be unhappy about?". It comes down to one's own deliberate decision, however painful or hard that is, or however hard it is for other people. We can't demand to be free, and theorize about free will, and then deny that to someone who sees no other way out or forward, because it is against our own wishes.
I remember growing up myself, often plagued with suicidal thoughts. There was no objective reason for them, I had a good upbringing and a good family, more material goods than most people, and no great traumas in my past. Work and relationships and getting along in life wasn't easy, but it wasn't too hard either. Sometimes things just don't work as they should inside, and sometimes there's no outside reason for it. I kept myself safe by deciding very early to not act when I was feeling low, as I knew objectively that times would follow when I felt fine and I didn't want the bad times to destroy the possibility for good times. It took a good 20 years before I put all that internal division behind me and made the choice to live fully and deliberately.
I wouldn't judge anyone for what they've gone through and the choices they've made. Most of the time we can't see the reasons. I had it pretty easy in comparison to many others, and compassion and understanding (however hard) is still the best approach to anyone, living or dead.