The Gray Area with Sean Illing

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The case for not killing yourself

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Jun 12, 2023

Guest

Clancy Martin

Clancy Martin, a philosophy professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and author of "How Not to Kill Yourself," shares his profound insights on suicide and resilience. He discusses his own experiences as a 'suicide addict' and examines the philosophical reflections of figures like Camus and Buddha. Clancy emphasizes the importance of open dialogue about mental health and offers strategies for overcoming suicidal thoughts through connection, self-acceptance, and embracing vulnerability on the journey to healing.

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ANECDOTE

Misconceptions about Suicide

Clancy Martin's friend, a feminist philosopher, believed suicide was a selfish act of privileged white men.
This anecdote highlights the widespread misunderstanding of suicide and its underlying causes.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Early Suicidal Thoughts

Clancy Martin's earliest memories include the desire to die, developing into suicidal thoughts by age six.
He initially believed everyone felt this way, highlighting the hidden nature of suicidal ideation.

insights

INSIGHT

Success and Depression

External success doesn't equate to internal peace, as Clancy Martin's depression followed his first book's success.
This emphasizes the importance of internal struggles over outward appearances.

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Breaking the Silence on Suicide

04:09 • 17min

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Philosophical Reflections on Suicidal Ideation and Transformation

21:02 • 6min

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Navigating Existential Despair

26:50 • 5min

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Journey to Self-Acceptance

32:09 • 11min

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Embracing Self-Pity: A Path to Acceptance

42:59 • 3min

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Reconsidering Life: A Conversation on Suicide Prevention

46:00 • 10min

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How Not to Kill Yourself

In 'Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness', William Styron recounts his battle with clinical depression, which began in October 1985 during a trip to Paris to receive the Prix Mondial Cino del Duca. Styron attributes his depression to his sudden withdrawal from years of alcoholism and his overdependence on the prescription drug Halcion. The memoir explores the profound and painful nature of depression, drawing parallels with the experiences of other writers and public figures. Styron reflects on the causes and effects of depression, highlighting the unique experiences and symptoms each individual faces, as well as the various treatment methods and their varying degrees of success. The book is a powerful commentary on mental health awareness, challenging societal perspectives and offering hope and understanding to those affected by depression.

The Myth of Sisyphus

Albert Camus

In 'The Myth of Sisyphus', Albert Camus delves into the concept of the absurd, which arises from the conflict between humanity's desire for meaning and the apparent indifference of the universe. Camus argues that this absurdity does not justify suicide but rather requires a revolt against it. He introduces Sisyphus, a figure from Greek mythology condemned to eternally push a boulder up a mountain only for it to roll back down, as the ideal absurd hero. Camus suggests that Sisyphus's acceptance of his fate and his continued effort to push the boulder up the mountain, despite its futility, exemplify the human condition and the possibility of finding happiness in the face of absurdity. The essay also discusses other examples of absurd lives and includes an appendix on the works of Franz Kafka.

Dom Quixote

Xavier, Alberto

Don Quixote, written by Miguel de Cervantes, tells the story of Alonso Quixano, a middle-aged gentleman who, influenced by his extensive reading of chivalric romances, decides to become a knight-errant. He renames himself Don Quixote and, with his squire Sancho Panza, embarks on a series of adventures. These adventures often involve Don Quixote's misinterpretation of reality, such as mistaking windmills for giants and inns for castles. The novel explores themes of reality vs. imagination, the decline of chivalry, and the human condition. Eventually, Don Quixote returns home, regains his sanity, and renounces his chivalric ambitions before his death.

Tao te ching

Laozi

The Tao Te Ching is a central text in Taoist philosophy and religion. It consists of 81 brief chapters or sections that discuss the nature of the Tao, which is described as the source and ideal of all existence. The text emphasizes living in harmony with nature, the importance of simplicity, humility, and the interconnectedness of all things. It critiques unnatural actions and social activism based on abstract moralism, advocating for a life of 'nonaction' (wu wei) and spontaneity. The text has been highly influential in Chinese philosophy and has been translated numerous times, making it one of the most translated texts in world literature.

Suicide and the soul

James Hillman

In 'Suicide and the Soul', James Hillman delves into the complex relationship between suicide and the human soul, drawing on Jungian analysis to explore the psychological and philosophical dimensions of death and despair. The book challenges conventional therapeutic approaches by emphasizing the importance of engaging with the soul's experiences, including those related to death and transformation.

On the Suffering of the World

Arthur Schopenhauer

Schopenhauer's 'On the Suffering of the World' directly addresses the pervasive nature of suffering in human existence. He argues that suffering is inherent to life, stemming from the insatiable desires of the 'Will. ' The book explores various aspects of suffering, from physical pain to emotional distress and boredom. Schopenhauer offers insights into the nature of pleasure as a mere absence of pain, highlighting the cyclical nature of desire and dissatisfaction. He explores potential paths to alleviate suffering, including asceticism and aesthetic contemplation.

The Stories of Diane Williams

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Diane Williams

Diane Williams' "The Stories of Diane Williams" is a collection of her short fiction, showcasing her distinctive and experimental style. Williams' work is characterized by its fragmented narratives, unconventional syntax, and surprising juxtapositions. Her stories often explore themes of identity, relationships, and the complexities of human experience. Williams' writing is known for its wit, its intellectual rigor, and its ability to unsettle and provoke the reader. The collection offers a glimpse into the mind of a singular and influential writer, whose work has significantly impacted contemporary literature.

Sean Illing talks with Clancy Martin, professor of philosophy at University of Missouri Kansas City, about his powerful new book How Not to Kill Yourself, which combines personal memoir and philosophical analysis to explore what it means to pursue self-destruction. They discuss wisdom from the Buddha and Albert Camus, Clancy's view that he is a suicide "addict," and concrete strategies for escaping the grip of suicidal thoughts.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, the suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached by dialing 988.

Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), host, The Gray Area

Guest: Clancy Martin, professor of philosophy, University of Missouri-Kansas City; author

References:

How Not to Kill Yourself: A Portrait of the Suicidal Mind by Clancy Martin (Pantheon; 2023)
Facts about suicide (from the CDC, and the WHO
James Hillman, Suicide and the Soul (1973)
"Lessons from jumping off the Golden Gate bridge—survivor shares his story to help others" by Keisha Reynolds (MyCG; Sept. 8, 2022)
Arthur Schopenhauer, On the Suffering of the World (1850)

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This episode was made by:

Producer: Erikk Geannikis
Engineer: Patrick Boyd
Editorial Director, Vox Talk: A.M. Hall

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