[MacDorcha]

"losing face" implies one person is at stake. again, honourable suicide is usually meant to protect OTHERS, not the self. it is the ultimate in self giving. the Bible even states "blessed is the man who lays down his life for the lives of those he loves." this doesnt point at suicide, but it does point to self sacrifice, which is how many view suicide. im not talking of the ramblings of a manic depressive. that is selfish and unjust. i am talking of the motives of a man who wants what is best for his family so bad, he has no regard for his own life.

[stuartcr]

Personally, I view suicide as cowardly and selfish, but I guess there are many weak individuals that cannot handle what life gives them, including the loss of face, and they believe that to die is better, regardless of what their loved ones may think.