The Evolutionary Function of Suicide

<p>In a recent episode, Thom explored the subject of <a href="https://thomknoles.com/podcast/suicidal-thoughts/">where suicidal thoughts come from</a>. And while this might help us understand the origins of suicidal thoughts, it doesn’t explain the evolutionary role that suicide plays.</p><p>Thom takes us deeper in this episode and delivers a comforting perspective, which doesn’t condone suicide as such but explains how it is at least evolutionary. </p><p>Importantly, he explains that while it may be evolutionary, there are even more evolutionary alternatives available. </p><p>This is a must-listen episode for anyone affected by, or harboring suicidal thoughts.</p><p> </p><p><i>If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis:</i></p><p><i>In the United States: Dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org</i></p><p><i>In Australia: Dial 13 11 14 or go to </i><a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/"><i>https://www.lifeline.org.au/</i></a></p><p><i>In all other countries, visit this page for your local prevention hotline: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/</i></p><p> </p><p><strong>Episode Highlights:</strong></p><p>[00:45] Q - What is the Evolutionary Function of Suicide?</p><p>[00:57] A - An Extreme Form of Self Destruction</p><p>[02:35] Going Beyond the One Body Mentality</p><p>[03:59] Risky Behavior</p><p>[05:43] Imbibing</p><p>[07:34] Long, Slow Suicide</p><p>[08:54] There's No Escape</p><p>[10:45] What's Causing the Suffering?</p><p>[12:39] Life Without Suffering</p><p>[14:48] Sensing What Nature is Up To</p><p>[17:13] Self Knowledge</p><p>[18:50] Radiating Life for All to Enjoy</p><p>[20:57] What is Our Contribution?</p><p>[22:46] A Lighthouse in the Darkness of Ignorance</p><p> </p><p><strong>Useful Links</strong></p><p><a href="mailto:info@thomknoles.com" target="_blank">info@thomknoles.com</a></p><p><a href="https://thomknoles.com/" target="_blank">https://thomknoles.com/</a></p><p><a href="https://www.i