Why is human life held so sacred?

[flobadob]

I know that we should all appreciate life and do with it the best we can, but what exactly is so wrong in allowing someone who wants to die, be allowed to do so in a sensitive way. Furthermore people in prison for life, why burden the state with the upkeep of these people? What would be so wrong in simply disposing of them? It wouldn't affect many people directly but it's not really considered.

[poodicat]

Sorry flob dont think it is!

[rojash]

"but it's not really considered."
You should have a browse through the News section. It's not only considered - there are people on there who are obsessed with killing.

[Ankou]

"What would be so wrong in simply disposing of them?"

how do you suggest doing that ? woud you be willing to actually go into the prison and end their life by flicking a switch ?

[chakka35]

The first part of that question is worth discussing. The second part is beneath contempt.

[Old_Geezer]

Most I assume would want folk to respect their right to life, so most agree that it is morally correct to respect each others'. That is what makes it sacred, and why one doesn't consider another human being as just garbage to be disposed of.

I do not see someone choosing to finish with their own life as violating the sacredness of it. It is an individual choice as to whether the quality of life is worthwhile, but in such circumstances it is right to give what support one can to convince someone that bad times pass just as the good times do, and that staying with life might be their better option.

[Seadragon]

To be classed as a 'human' one has to be capable of feeling 'humane'. It is our humanity that distinguishes us from anything else. Your question 'Why is human life held so sacred?' sits uncomfortably with me. I hope one day you can find the answer of that within yourself because only then will you fully understand and appreciate what it is to be human. I don't mean to criticize you Flobadob and sorry I can't answer more fully.

[flobadob]

Don't worry about it dragon but I would tend to disagree that being humane is a trait of humanity.

[Mamyalynne]

Human life is sacred as so many of us fear our own demise.

[Seadragon]

Just to annoy you now Flobadob - wow - 'I would tend to disagree that being humane is a trait of humanity' Why do you disagree? Yes tenderness, compassion even sympathy are present in the animal kingdom but why do you not recognise those traits in a human? Add to that empathy. Actually these characteristics are what makes us humane. The media is evident of labelling people with little humanity as 'monstrous' and evil. Do you still disagree? Or am I just totally wrong?

Mamyalynne your post is fascinating, I think human life is sacred because each one of us has a right to life and a right to respect another's right to life no matter how different it is from ours? (There you go Flobadob, I have somewhat slightly answered!)

[badmonkey]

gotta say i agree with the part about supporting someones wish to die with ease and dignity dependant on their perception of their own quality of life but "simply disposing of" people is dangerous ground. what if they had a treatable psychiatric disorder? what if they jailed the wrong guy? wouldn't be the first time. i think if we don't hold some value to human life it becomes cheap.

[society]

In my opinion of morals, I think this is morally a wrong and selfish thing to do. People can change their minds, and in the spur of the moment they might make the wrong decision, one which they would never be able to retract. Therefore I disagree with allowing someone to choose their will to die

[heathfield]

It's sacred because it's based on religious doctrine. The doctrine states that man is created in God's image, and so to commit suicide and destroy His image is a personal affront to Him.