I'd change the word 'pathetic' to 'tragic.' Severe depression often robs the mind of metacognition. There are many psychological illnesses that prevent a certain awareness of what might seem obvious to an outsider. Anorexia Nervosa is one that comes to mind. Experts used to think therapy then intervention to get them to eat. Now they understand that it's the other way around. The low body weight literally changes their brain and thus the way they think.
It's common to make a moral judgment on someone else's actions without taking into account the effects of devastating mental illnesses.
I'd change the word 'pathetic' to 'tragic.' Severe depression often robs the mind of metacognition. There are many psychological illnesses that prevent a certain awareness of what might seem obvious to an outsider. Anorexia Nervosa is one that comes to mind. Experts used to think therapy then intervention to get them to eat. Now they understand that it's the other way around. The low body weight literally changes their brain and thus the way they think.
It's common to make a moral judgment on someone else's actions without taking into account the effects of devastating mental illnesses.
I'd be inclined to agree with this. We don't know what was going through his mind or what demons he was battling. Suicide isn't the answer but I can't bring myself to judge someone who clearly was not in a proper state is mind at that moment.
Celebrity deaths don't usually spark a response from me, but Williams' death really struck a chord with me. I watched him as a kid on Mork and Mindy and have been an admirer for my whole life.
As Steven P. Jobs was a personal friend of Robin Williams I know my former boss would have paid a tribute on the Front Page and showcase the great talent through iTunes.
Cashing in? In times of loss, people will search for his works. No shame in providing a little area for us. Apple isn't jacking up the prices.
For anyone who needs help, get them help.
I agree, it's not cashing in. Whenever an artist dies, there is an increased interest in their work. Apple is just making it easier to find.
And there is another important reason....Robin Williams' voice was still being used in Apple's "Your Verse" ad campaign until yesterday and the commercial featuring him was still in rotation. It only makes sense that Apple acknowledges it...as Tim Cook did yesterday.
Celebrity deaths don't usually spark a response from me
That's probably because most celebrities are crap. Now with all these stupid reality TV shows, there are people who are famous for doing and achieving absolutely nothing. Is anybody really going to give a crap when somebody like that dies?
Robin Williams was truly talented and had a very long career, and many people had a connection with his movies, so he is obviously on a different level.
He stupidly chose to kill himself despite all wealth, success and admiration by the same people posting messages around here - there is nothing "untimely" when you are the one taking such a pathetic decision.
He stupidly chose to kill himself despite all wealth, success and admiration by the same people posting messages around here - there is nothing "untimely" when you are the one taking such a pathetic decision.
None of those things buy happiness. They help, but there are far more important things in life. And this fundamentally misunderstands what depression truly is. Which is to say, depression is much more than 'a + b + c = happy', or even the standard reasoning people might apply to their lives. It can be something much deeper, with potential biological ties, and plenty of other factors like substance abuse (e.g. some drugs and alcohol) can have a dramatic cause or serve as catalyst. And all it takes is one really awful night and decision for it to end. People who want to call it 'pathetic' should probably think that through carefully before they toss 'advice' like that out to a friend in need.
As someone battling depression, it was a pathetic decision. And as him, not battling depression, it was a pathetic decision. <span style="line-height:1.4em;">Killing yourself is never the answer, in any circumstance, and you don’t have to have any experience with thoughts related thereto to be “allowed” to say so. Get over it.</span>
Killing yourself is never the answer. And someone thinking clearly would realize that life really can have so much to offer, or might realize the impact that decision might have on loved ones and friends. But it's not that simple, is it? If you're actually familiar with depression—clinical depression—you know that.
I suppose the only reason why I bothered responding to these comments is because if someone does know someone who is genuinely struggling with depression they should make an effort to understand it, and play a much more productive role in being there for those friends or loved ones than the comment 'killing yourself is pathetic' suggests. If someone already feels so lost that they're considering ending their life, those aren't the words they need to hear to make it through to another day.
I suppose the only reason why I bothered responding to these comments is because if someone does know someone who is genuinely struggling with depression they should make an effort to understand it, and play a much more productive role in being there for those friends or loved ones than the comment 'killing yourself is pathetic' suggests. If someone already feels so lost that they're considering ending their life, those aren't the words they need to hear to make it through to another day.
Taking that one line out of context, I just want to say that sometimes killing oneself is the answer, especially with regard to painful terminal illnesses. I don't want anyone denying me my rights to do with my life what I want and no one should be forced to do something against their will.
He stupidly chose to kill himself despite all wealth, success and admiration by the same people posting messages around here - there is nothing "untimely" when you are the one taking such a pathetic decision.
Fortunately, for you, you have no idea what you are talking about.
Taking that one line out of context, I just want to say that sometimes killing oneself is the answer, especially with regard to painful terminal illnesses. I don't want anyone denying me my rights to do with my life what I want and no one should be forced to do something against their will.
I'll let you terminate yourself in this situation if you sign an affidavit stating that nothing and no one is responsible for your predicament.
It's a shame that it's not even 24 hours since the news was released, and Apple is already cashing in on William's death. I'm fully convinced the entertainment industry sees it's actors worth more after death than they are alive.
I'm a fan of William's work, I own many of his movies on DVD already. I hope his legacy continues on for years of laughter with younger generations.
And if Apple did nothing, you would have bashed them for not recognizing the talents of a great performer and human being. I for one loved looking at the page and never knew how many movies he made.
I'm sure Lauren Bacall will have her tribute as well...her death was just announced tonight. I guess Apple will be raking in the cash now, right? Another will certainly be on the way as they always come in three's.
Read the books by psychiatrist Kay Redfield Jamison. They can be purchased in iBooks. Use the suicide of Robin Williams to learn something rather than parading your ignorance as a badge of honor.
Ignorance of mental health issues which lead to substance abuse and suicide is not somebody's fault. William's clearly was not just having a couple of downer days. Manic Depression, which Williams likely had, can be controlled for most, but for some, the treatments do not work.
He stupidly chose to kill himself despite all wealth, success and admiration by the same people posting messages around here - there is nothing "untimely" when you are the one taking such a pathetic decision.
I guess you are lucky enough not to suffer through a mental disorder. His drastic decision despite those successes show that depression is real. Unfortunately we live in a society where we no longer care about treating people with mental health disorders.
Comments
Pagliacci the clown.
I'd change the word 'pathetic' to 'tragic.' Severe depression often robs the mind of metacognition. There are many psychological illnesses that prevent a certain awareness of what might seem obvious to an outsider. Anorexia Nervosa is one that comes to mind. Experts used to think therapy then intervention to get them to eat. Now they understand that it's the other way around. The low body weight literally changes their brain and thus the way they think.
It's common to make a moral judgment on someone else's actions without taking into account the effects of devastating mental illnesses.
I'd be inclined to agree with this. We don't know what was going through his mind or what demons he was battling. Suicide isn't the answer but I can't bring myself to judge someone who clearly was not in a proper state is mind at that moment.
Celebrity deaths don't usually spark a response from me, but Williams' death really struck a chord with me. I watched him as a kid on Mork and Mindy and have been an admirer for my whole life.
Thanks for naming the Nano.
Robin would expect no less.
Cashing in? In times of loss, people will search for his works. No shame in providing a little area for us. Apple isn't jacking up the prices.
For anyone who needs help, get them help.
I agree, it's not cashing in. Whenever an artist dies, there is an increased interest in their work. Apple is just making it easier to find.
And there is another important reason....Robin Williams' voice was still being used in Apple's "Your Verse" ad campaign until yesterday and the commercial featuring him was still in rotation. It only makes sense that Apple acknowledges it...as Tim Cook did yesterday.
Celebrity deaths don't usually spark a response from me
That's probably because most celebrities are crap. Now with all these stupid reality TV shows, there are people who are famous for doing and achieving absolutely nothing. Is anybody really going to give a crap when somebody like that dies?
Robin Williams was truly talented and had a very long career, and many people had a connection with his movies, so he is obviously on a different level.
Money doesn't buy happiness.
None of those things buy happiness. They help, but there are far more important things in life. And this fundamentally misunderstands what depression truly is. Which is to say, depression is much more than 'a + b + c = happy', or even the standard reasoning people might apply to their lives. It can be something much deeper, with potential biological ties, and plenty of other factors like substance abuse (e.g. some drugs and alcohol) can have a dramatic cause or serve as catalyst. And all it takes is one really awful night and decision for it to end. People who want to call it 'pathetic' should probably think that through carefully before they toss 'advice' like that out to a friend in need.
Killing yourself is never the answer. And someone thinking clearly would realize that life really can have so much to offer, or might realize the impact that decision might have on loved ones and friends. But it's not that simple, is it? If you're actually familiar with depression—clinical depression—you know that.
I suppose the only reason why I bothered responding to these comments is because if someone does know someone who is genuinely struggling with depression they should make an effort to understand it, and play a much more productive role in being there for those friends or loved ones than the comment 'killing yourself is pathetic' suggests. If someone already feels so lost that they're considering ending their life, those aren't the words they need to hear to make it through to another day.
He stupidly chose to kill himself despite all wealth, success and admiration by the same people posting messages around here
From the book 'Cocktail' by Heywood Gould:
“So load the guy up. Give him love, give him hope, give him a future, then take it all away from him; do a job on him”
Well said. Not everything is black and white.
Leave it to Apple to turn a quick buck for themselves through a popular star's death. No respect. No shame.
Killing yourself is never the answer.
Taking that one line out of context, I just want to say that sometimes killing oneself is the answer, especially with regard to painful terminal illnesses. I don't want anyone denying me my rights to do with my life what I want and no one should be forced to do something against their will.
He stupidly chose to kill himself despite all wealth, success and admiration by the same people posting messages around here - there is nothing "untimely" when you are the one taking such a pathetic decision.
Fortunately, for you, you have no idea what you are talking about.
It's a shame that it's not even 24 hours since the news was released, and Apple is already cashing in on William's death. I'm fully convinced the entertainment industry sees it's actors worth more after death than they are alive.
I'm a fan of William's work, I own many of his movies on DVD already. I hope his legacy continues on for years of laughter with younger generations.
And if Apple did nothing, you would have bashed them for not recognizing the talents of a great performer and human being. I for one loved looking at the page and never knew how many movies he made.
I'm sure Lauren Bacall will have her tribute as well...her death was just announced tonight. I guess Apple will be raking in the cash now, right? Another will certainly be on the way as they always come in three's.
Read the books by psychiatrist Kay Redfield Jamison. They can be purchased in iBooks. Use the suicide of Robin Williams to learn something rather than parading your ignorance as a badge of honor.
Ignorance of mental health issues which lead to substance abuse and suicide is not somebody's fault. William's clearly was not just having a couple of downer days. Manic Depression, which Williams likely had, can be controlled for most, but for some, the treatments do not work.
I guess you are lucky enough not to suffer through a mental disorder. His drastic decision despite those successes show that depression is real. Unfortunately we live in a society where we no longer care about treating people with mental health disorders.
"Obviously you can't comprehend the respect of allowing time of passing before creating a cash positive inflow to a celebrity's stock portfolio"
Well said !