A Protocol for Dying • Hacker News Board

Re: A Protocol for Dying

#31

Post by tjholowaychuk » Fri, Apr 22, 2016, 8:41 AM UTC

Wow this really hits home. I can only hope that when it's my time that I can go with such class and dignity. My only fear in dying is that I would regret having not lived more, spent more time on things that really matter, or being held back by myself.

I couldn't agree more about euthanasia, I've always envisioned a Dia de los Muertos style party for when I go :). I would much rather go when people have a chance to see me happy and reminiscing like you mention. I would say thank you for your work, but I know there's much more to you than that!

Re: A Protocol for Dying

#32

Post by bsandert » Fri, Apr 22, 2016, 8:43 AM UTC

samio wrote: post #29

Edit: the date has been fixed in the artice. Also: I'm sorry. So, what's up with the dates? First, the article date: > wrote on 22 Apr, 05:43 (4 hours ago) Then later in the text: > and on 25 April my oncologist confirmed it was cancer. Seems like someone is a secret time traveler...?

Or he may have been diagnosed one or more years ago.

Re: A Protocol for Dying

#33

Post by tomp » Fri, Apr 22, 2016, 8:46 AM UTC

nikolay wrote: post #30

As an Eastern Orthodox Christian, euthanasia would not be an option to me, but I really hope I'd never have to think about it as a choice. I had an early stage melanoma in 2004 and I know I "beat it", but I also know it's all a matter of time and I made some important lifestyle changes and most importantly - switching to a ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting. (Well, also as an Eastern Orthodox Christian, I'm curr…

I'm really curious, what makes you choose and follow rules that other people set up (i.e. whatever part of being an Eastern Orthodox Christian forbids euthanasia), instead of making choices yourself, whatever you believe is the best for your life? Even if you agree with most of what your religion prescribes or suggests, couldn't you just pick and choose the parts that you like and that influence your life positively, and throw away the rest?

Re: A Protocol for Dying

#34

Post by PieterH » Fri, Apr 22, 2016, 8:46 AM UTC

netgusto wrote: post #13

I wanted to express my compassion, then I figured out that's not what you need. But then, we never shared any good moments to speak about, right ? You're a stranger to me, and yet I can't help but feeling I know you better after reading your letter than many people I meet on a regular basis. And it feels warm inside. Thank you for taking the time to express this.

Thanks for letting me know how it affects you. :)

Re: A Protocol for Dying

#35

Post by PieterH » Fri, Apr 22, 2016, 8:47 AM UTC

augustl wrote: post #27

It would be interesting to see how many of us that has had conversations with Pieter Hintjens. I suspect a sizable chunk of the HN crowd has interacted with him. I've enjoyed his company on many conferences, and while he presents himself in a very direct manner, he is also friendly and enjoyable to talk with.

Funny, that is how I feel about 95% of the thousands of programmers I've talked with over the last years. :)

Re: A Protocol for Dying

#36

Post by ak39 » Fri, Apr 22, 2016, 8:48 AM UTC

There are many days I too feel I'm ready to die. But then realize I'm not ready. Couldn't understand why.

Reading what Pieter just wrote makes realize that I lack fortitude in one aspect: compassion. Pieter's words confirms to me that one needs to wield formidable muscles in the compassion department for one to be at peace and be ready to die.

Great man, Pieter.

Re: A Protocol for Dying

#37

Post by tomp » Fri, Apr 22, 2016, 8:48 AM UTC

samio wrote: post #29

Edit: the date has been fixed in the artice. Also: I'm sorry. So, what's up with the dates? First, the article date: > wrote on 22 Apr, 05:43 (4 hours ago) Then later in the text: > and on 25 April my oncologist confirmed it was cancer. Seems like someone is a secret time traveler...?

Yeah, that was very weird.

Edit: Ah, it must have been a typo, now it's fixed.

> I was checked in and put on antibiotics, which fixed the pain, and on 18 April my oncologist confirmed it was cancer.

Re: A Protocol for Dying

#38

Post by tomp » Fri, Apr 22, 2016, 8:49 AM UTC

bsandert wrote: post #32

samio wrote: post #29

Edit: the date has been fixed in the artice. Also: I'm sorry. So, what's up with the dates? First, the article date: > wrote on 22 Apr, 05:43 (4 hours ago) Then later in the text: > and on 25 April my oncologist confirmed it was cancer. Seems like someone is a secret time traveler...?

Or he may have been diagnosed one or more years ago.

No.

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=11520979

> PieterH 3 days ago | parent | flag

> Just found out today, after a week of tests and six weeks of feeling gradually worse. I'll try to answer your questions. I'm on my phone.

Re: A Protocol for Dying

#39

Post by PieterH » Fri, Apr 22, 2016, 8:50 AM UTC

samio wrote: post #29

Edit: the date has been fixed in the artice. Also: I'm sorry. So, what's up with the dates? First, the article date: > wrote on 22 Apr, 05:43 (4 hours ago) Then later in the text: > and on 25 April my oncologist confirmed it was cancer. Seems like someone is a secret time traveler...?

Thanks for catching that. I was figuring the dates out on my calendar and slipped down a row. It was the 18th.

Re: A Protocol for Dying

#40

Post by ascotan » Fri, Apr 22, 2016, 8:52 AM UTC

Another sad day for the software community. I'm a big fan of 0mq and the work that Pieter has done.

As for the euthanasia, my wife's aunt died of cervical cancer and it was very rough, not only on her, but on her entire family. It's not an exaggeration to say that they likely all have PTSD from the experience. I'm not a proponent of euthanasia but I can see the appeal. It probably depends a lot on the individual situation.