In this summarized paper, the author examines the varied societal & cultural responses to suicide throughout history e.g. fear of spirits & guilt from killing; the increase in suicide rates as they relate to the individual’s connection with society; the predominant philosophy during classical, medieval, & renaissance times; the movement of suicide through pontifical law; civil penalties for suicide, & finally, the fears & responses to suicide in the 19th & 20th centuries. (GW)