• Dr George John

“In the end, it is not the years in your life that counts, but the life in your years”
– Abraham Lincoln.

We are living in the age of Anthropocene, where human actions have seriously damaged each other and the environment. In the 21st century, the world stands at a crossroads, where the fervent cries for mercy and dignity intersect with the complex tapestry of religion, ethics, politics and human freedom. Assisted Dying, once a forbidden realm, has emerged as a battlefield where compassion clashes with doctrine, and human dignity stands at odds with dogma, in which the Socratic question of how we should live has been posed in several alternative but equivalent ways. Death is neither sombre nor depressing, as most assume it to be. It is a tenet of deep philosophical approaches to life, so Socrates himself is quoted as saying, ‘to learn to philosophise is to learn to die’. To understand it, it becomes necessary to embark on an intellectual journey, weaving together the wisdom of philosophers like Bernard Williams, Anthony Flew, Jonathan Glover and Baruch Spinoza while scrutinising the evolving relationship between science and the finer aspects of living, including the luxury of religion.
Assisted Dying, once deemed taboo, now forces a re-evaluation of deeply ingrained beliefs. Former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey epitomises this shift in thinking. He, who once staunchly opposed Assisted Dying, has become a vocal advocate. Carey’s transformation underscores the evolving landscape where compassion and empathy transcend the boundaries of doctrine.
The doctrine of loving one’s neighbour as oneself, attributed to Jesus, can also be interpreted as a call to alleviate avoidable suffering wherever it occurs, thus supporting the case for Assisted Dying. This also raises questions about the applicability of the Golden Rule of doing unto others, as we would have it done to us, and there are those who are convinced that Assisted Dying does not violate the sixth commandment.
While Switzerland has Dignitas and the Netherlands, where Assisted Dying is permitted under strict safeguarding rules, the rest of the world grapples with profound moral and philosophical questions surrounding this subject.
In a world where science has illuminated the darkest corners of human existence, the question arises: Have religion and legal systems caught up with the other advancements of the 21st century? As dignified men and women facing insurmountable pain and suffering make heartfelt pleas for mercy, it is a moment of reckoning which forces us to ponder whether our moral compass has evolved alongside our scientific knowledge.

Spinoza’s insights on human freedom
Baruch Spinoza, the 17th-century Jewish philosopher of Portuguese descent, delved deep into the intricacies of human freedom. He argued that true freedom lies not in mere obedience to external doctrines but in understanding the nature of reality and acting in harmony with it. In the context of Assisted Dying, Spinoza’s philosophy highlights the inner conflict that often plagues individuals who yearn for autonomy over their end-of-life decisions.
Spinoza reminds us that true freedom emerges when individuals, in their moments of greatest vulnerability, are granted the agency to make choices that align with their deepest convictions. The recognition of this intrinsic freedom prompts many to advocate for Assisted Dying as a means of preserving human dignity in the face of suffering.

Doctrine versus Compassion: The Struggle Unveiled
Assisted Dying unearths a fundamental struggle within religious institutions. Are we prioritising doctrine over compassion, dogma over human dignity? This question resonates deeply, for at its core, it challenges the very essence of religious teachings.
Consider the words of Jesus, who preached love and compassion. Does not the act of extending mercy to those trapped in unrelenting agony align with the essence of his teachings? Does it not fall within the realm of “Love thy neighbour as thyself”, echoing the Divine call to alleviate suffering wherever it may be found?
Philosophers Bernard Williams, Anthony Flew and Jonathan Glover have offered profound arguments in favour of Assisted Dying, providing alternative perspectives on the sanctity of life. They contend that autonomy and the relief of suffering should be paramount considerations when evaluating the ethics of Assisted Dying.
Former Archbishop George Carey’s transformation is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a more compassionate stance. Spinoza’s philosophy reminds us that true freedom lies in aligning our choices with our deepest convictions.
In the ever-evolving relationship between religion and science, Assisted Dying stands as a testament to our capacity for empathy and our willingness to navigate the delicate balance between autonomy and stringent safeguards to prevent even the remotest possibility of abuse. As we confront the ethical dilemmas of our age, may we do so with hearts open to the cries for mercy, and may we find the wisdom to heed them.

Tempus fugit, memento mori – Time flies, remember death
As we grapple with the moral and philosophical complexities of Assisted Dying, we must remember our shared humanity. In the face of agonising choices and the relentless passage of time, the plea for mercy resonates. It is a plea rooted in the profound desire for a peaceful and dignified exit, supported by the love of family and society’s empathy.
Drawing parallels between birth and death also raises intriguing questions. Seeking medical assistance during childbirth is not only accepted but encouraged. If we deem it morally legitimate to seek medical aid during the beginning of life, why should the end of life be treated differently? Can the right to die be seen as a reflection of the duty to die, particularly when evidence suggests that individuals in countries where Assisted Dying is legal tend to live longer?
Professor Linda Woodhead’s research on Assisted Dying sheds light on the complex interplay of societal norms, ethics, and the individual’s right to make choices about their own life and death. Her work underscores the need for nuanced discussions that consider the multifaceted aspects of the issue.
Assisted Dying is a contentious topic that demands careful consideration and represents a watershed moment where the imperatives of compassion and human dignity challenge longstanding doctrine. While philosophers and religious scholars have offered thought-provoking arguments in favour, it is essential to balance individual autonomy and safeguards against potential abuse. However, the transformation of philosophical, psychological and religious thought is a testament to the evolving landscape where compassion transcends doctrine. Ultimately, the quest for a dignified and compassionate approach to end-of-life decisions remains at the heart of the debate as we grapple with the questions about the boundaries of human agency and the divine significance of the dying process. When navigating this complex terrain, we must remember that our choices reflect the depth of our humanity, and may we choose compassion over dogma to pursue a more merciful world.

• docgjohn@aol.com
  (The author is a freelance essayist and a retired British Psychiatrist from London with a special interest in the relationship between Psychiatry and religion)