The specter of suicide is everywhere; it has appeared in every era of humanity and, in one way or another, is also present in our private lives. It is a recurring theme in art and literature, and it lies at the heart of one of the great philosophical debates par excellence: whether we have complete freedom over our own existence. On the other hand, suicide has been condemned by numerous institutions—not only religious ones—throughout history, considered, if not a mental illness, then an immoral act that threatens life and society. In fact, this universal phenomenon is still shrouded in taboo and prejudice, making it very difficult to discuss openly, objectively, and healthily.

In these Notes on Suicide—first published in Spanish by Alpha Decay in 2016—philosopher Simon Critchley sets out to bring order to the jumble of arguments that have historically demonized voluntary death, meticulously analyzing and refuting them. He draws on the reasoning of great thinkers (Socrates, Radicati, Flaubert, Hume, etc.) while also sharing his own experiences—and expressing his doubts—on the subject.

"This book is not a suicide note," he is quick to clarify in the first line. Nor is it, by any means, a defense of suicide, but rather an invitation to reflect on the topic and to begin discussing it without prejudice. Above all, it is an intelligent and honest essay, free of moralizing and dogmatism, and imbued with a vibrant humanity, which we are now republishing with some updates and a new foreword by the author.