Allan Kardec-THE Spirit's Book_ The Principles of Spiritist Doctrine (1989)

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THE SPIRITS’ BOOK
not suppose that he would be entirely absolved if he had been wanting in firmness and
perseverance, or had failed to make the best use of his intelligence to help himself out of his
difficulties. And it would go still harder with him if he had been one of those whose
intelligence is paralysed by pride, who would blush to earn their living by manual labour, and
would rather die of starvation than derogate from what they call their "social position." Is
there not a hundredfold more nobleness and true dignity in bearing up against adversity, in
braving the ill-natured remarks of the futile and selfish, whose goodwill is only for those who
are in want of nothing, and who turn the cold shoulder to all who are in need of help ? To
throw away one's life on account of such people is doubly absurd, seeing that they will be
perfectly indifferent to the sacrifice."
948. Is suicide as blameable, when committed in order to escape the disgrace of having done
wrong, as when it is prompted by despair?
"A fault is not effaced by suicide, which, on the contrary, is a second fault added to the first.
He who has had the courage to do wrong should have the courage to bear the consequences of
his wrong-doing. God is the sole judge, and sometimes diminishes the penalty of wrongdoing
in consideration of the circumstances which led to it."
949. Is suicide excusable wizen committed in order to avoid bringing disgrace on one's
children or family?
"He who has recourse to such an expedient does wrong; but, as he believes his action to be
for the best, God takes note of his intention, for his suicide is a self-imposed expiation; his
fault is extenuated by his intention, but it is none the less a fault. But when you have got rid
of your social prejudices and abuses, you will have no more suicides."
He who takes his own life, in order to escape the disgrace of a bad action, proves that he attaches more
value to the estimation of men than to that of God; for the goes back into the spirit-world laden with his
iniquities, of the means of atoning for which, during his earthly life, he has thus deprived himself. God is
less inexorable than men often are; He pardons those who sincerely repent, and takes account of sill our
efforts to repair what we have done amiss; but nothing is repaired by suicide.
950. What is to be thought of him who makes away with himself in the hope of arriving
sooner at a happier state of existence?
"Another piece of folly! Let a man do good, and he will be much more sure of reaching such a
state. His suicide will delay