This paper is an exercise in the use of the method of introspection. Societal attitudes toward suicide & the relationship of suicide to murder are discussed. The author then discusses the techniques he used to make the “imaginery leap” to bridge the gap between himself & the suicidal act, including talking to a psychologist who had attempted suicide, reviewing case records of suicidal patients, & reviewing the literature. The question of “why live” instead of “why commit suicide” is explored. The roles of aggression, taking care of the self, self-control, & mental disorder in suicidal behaviours are also discussed. (5 refs.)