The suicide of Arthur Koestler & his wife in 1983 added to the debate on whether or not suicide may be an appropriate & rational form of death. An examination of his extensive autobiographical works indicates that suicidal thoughts, & indeed acts, played a not insignificant role in his life, & this coupled with a family history of suicide & life-threatening illness indicates that caution should be exercised before considering his suicide, & that of his wife, rational. 9 Ref.