And the final one I deemed worthy to copy, response #28:

Date: 2003-09-25, 7:04PM

If you've decided to kill yourself, I doubt that a bunch of strangers could change your mind. But I'd like to argue against your statement that you have not made a difference in the world.

Although it is easy to get frustrated with yourself for not being able make any big changes in the world, it is unreasonable to expect to be able to make such changes. It is a VERY rare person that can facilitate such drastic change.

Simply being a good person, setting an example for others, and being around to dilute the evil in the world is enough to make your life worthwhile. The difference it makes is subtle, but definite.

So if you're gonna kill yourself out of exasperation, fine. But if you're gonna kill yourself out of guilt, then keep in mind that you'd be doing society a disservice by lowering the good/evil ratio.

Terrific insight at the beginning of this response that a bunch of strangers couldn't change his mind once his decision was made. It's true, but I'm also glad that so many people responded like they might change his mind.

But I'm not sure where this response got the idea that the suicide wanted to effect big changes in the world. He mentioned big things that he thought was wrong with the world, but didn't source his reasons in not being able to effect change in the big picture. What he said he couldn't change was his own life, and really he is the only person who can gauge that.

To the extent that he addressed the big picture, he was talking to us. He wasn't inviting a response to him. He made his decision, but we still have our decision to make this world a better place by what we do, by what we're considerate of, and what we complain about or act to change. But by "giving up" himself, he's not likely to convince anybody.

I like the point in this response about the value of just being a "good" person in this world. I appreciate that. But ultimately I don’t think that would stop a suicide. We are all selfish, and this response is arguing that selflessness is a reason to live. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if that were so?

I appreciate the little differences I make in daily life, smiling to strangers, being respectful and courteous. It really might make a difference in a small way to people, especially in our modern society so full of cynicism, cruelty, and indifference. But again, it’s hardly enough to counter a decision to leave.