Two Last Words
On reading Hunter S. Thompson's suicide note:
It is disturbing to note that two great writers, Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) and Hunter S. Thompson (ca.1938-2005) committed suicide in their sixties. There were great differences in their subject matters and styles, and yet both wrote powerfully and with a great impact on the literature and thought of their times. Both, apparently, experienced a despairing impotence having to do with "old age".
What might they have brought to the world had they been able to overcome that darkness of spirit and decide to make do with whatever years were left to them before death came unsought. There are many who have gained fame and prestige in the arts and sciences who have lived on into old age, adjusted to it, and given the world the benefit of their words and deeds through the years. What might Hemingway and Thompson have given us from the perspective of another twenty years, or more, of their lives. Life is not easy. One must persevere through adversities, enjoy what pleasures there are, be as creative and productive as possible, and remember that death comes to all, eventually - no need to rush it.
Shakespeare wrote
It is disturbing to note that two great writers, Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) and Hunter S. Thompson (ca.1938-2005) committed suicide in their sixties. There were great differences in their subject matters and styles, and yet both wrote powerfully and with a great impact on the literature and thought of their times. Both, apparently, experienced a despairing impotence having to do with "old age".
What might they have brought to the world had they been able to overcome that darkness of spirit and decide to make do with whatever years were left to them before death came unsought. There are many who have gained fame and prestige in the arts and sciences who have lived on into old age, adjusted to it, and given the world the benefit of their words and deeds through the years. What might Hemingway and Thompson have given us from the perspective of another twenty years, or more, of their lives. Life is not easy. One must persevere through adversities, enjoy what pleasures there are, be as creative and productive as possible, and remember that death comes to all, eventually - no need to rush it.
Shakespeare wrote
What's done is done, and cannot be undone.
posted by marguerite louise at
5:09 PM
7 Comments:
Mark Seinfelt studied the lives of 50 famous writers who committed suicide in his book, "Final Drafts: Suicides of World-Famous Authors", and noted that it was a rarity before the unprecedented wars, genocide and nuclear holocaust of the 20th century. It wouldn't be much of a stretch to imagine that existential despair was, in whole or in part, the catalyst for much of the depression, alcoholism
and drug addiction so pervasive among the literati of that era.
Today, we have those same issues to cope with (along with a whole host of others peculiar to this 21st century lifestyle) that cause feelings of helplessness, frustration and a sense of futility. The good news is that we also have more sources of information, more hands-on help and far more treatment options.
I encourage anyone reading this who may be struggling with feelings of helplessness or hopelessness to seek medical help and/or counseling therapy right away. It's not less of life we want; it's more.
By
Anonymous, at 9/15/2005 9:36 PM
Thank you, Sharon for your comment, with which Odysseuse can agree. The other problem with which both Hemingway and Thompson grappled was a feeling of impotence connected with what they considered "old age" - both chose to die in their sixties. A reading of Thompson's suicide note appears in the September 19, 2005 issue of Newsweek, on page 25 (Perspectives). His note was previously published in Rolling Stone. It makes clear that his age, 67, precipitated his action.
By
marguerite louise, at 9/15/2005 10:01 PM
I read the story in the paper last Friday and I was furious. Thompson killed himself while talking on the phone with his wife, Anita. His son Juan, and his grandson were both in the house with him and they heard the gun go off. This has more to do with being so self-centered you don't care what kind of trauma you inflict on the people you say you love than with existential angst or aging. I would call it the ultimate in grand-standing at everyone else's expense.
By
Anonymous, at 9/16/2005 12:35 AM
An interesting footnote to add to this topic is that many members of Hemingway's immediate family also committed suicide, including his father, Clarence Hemingway, and his siblings Ursula and Leicester. It is believed that some members of Hemingway's paternal line had a genetic condition or hereditary disease known as haemochromatosis , in which an excess of iron concentration in the blood causes damage to the pancreas and depression or instability in the cerebrum. Hemingway's physician father is known to have developed bronze diabetes due to this condition in the years prior to his suicide at age fifty-nine. In 1996, his granddaughter, actress Margaux Hemingway , took her own life.
This info from Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia
By
Anonymous, at 9/17/2005 10:57 AM
I was struck by both authors considering thier 60's to be "old age". While I agree that physical illness can cause you to feel much older than your actual years, if I were to consider my 60's to be old age I really don't have that much time left. I'd better make the most of it.
Fortunately, many people embrace their later years. I have many friends in their 70's and 80's who live everyday to the fullest. They not only do for themselves and their families but also are active volunteers in our community.
By
Anonymous, at 9/17/2005 12:53 PM
Once again I thank you for your comments, all of which are appreciated.
By
marguerite louise, at 9/20/2005 8:25 PM
I confess to often coming here to read, having complex thoughts about the topic, and being too lazy to write them.
Many great people, including the two you mention here, are/were mentally ill as measured against "normal". But what we might consider their illness is part of what made them outstanding so they never considered or agreed to treatment.
I once saw a long list of manic depressive famous acheivers, full of names that have enriched our lives. They did their work during their manic cycle. We don't hear about them during their down cycle - unless they kill themselves.
By
Marguerite, at 9/22/2005 11:24 AM
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