I will look into it, thanks

That's some very practical advice, and I wouldn't say I am so much into any single area yet. As I said, epistemology, which is at least somewhat related to consciousness (or so I'd think). I really am interested in much of what I am aware of, however. As for reading more concise texts, that is definitely an approach I could use. I just never find an article, or perhaps even several, to be sufficient, at least for me. I feel they are more of a sample. But honing in on one subject is something I will keep in mind, thanks.

g the line you take a little time for eastern philosophies. I find them much more in line with my ow — T Clark

I am aware of Eastern philosophy, about Alan Watts and such connecting it to the West, but I have yet to take a deeper look, something that I definitely intend to do. Taoism seems intriguing to some extent, too, funnily enough being specifically applicable to my situation - accepting that I can't be as informed as I perhaps wish to be. Thanks

I appreciate your words. I haven't much thought about my approach to this so much, or about the scope of studying as a human being, who exists through culture and time with responsibilities and obligations. It honestly seems to complicate my situation, but you propose the idea that it will, in time, simplify it, something that I hope is true.

Yes, I want all of it. I think the sciences, especially math, are beautiful because they are pure, generally speaking. Not to mention philosophical implications of the findings of the 20th century, particularly in physics, but everywhere. And what you're saying is perhaps even scarier, but true... ALL subjects. I would tend to agree.

When it comes to living and dying, I find that it is hard to make a case for either being inherently better than the other. This being said, it is generally difficult to determine if one is better than the other.

Frameworks are of incalculable importance here.

What is rational? Is rational what the collective feels is just? If so, then suicide is almost entirely irrational, as many are generally against it. There are exceptions, such as if one has been doomed with no way out, perhaps burdened with a disease such as ALS, or kidnapped by people who are to torture you. However, I again raise the question; what is rational?

Morals are generally comparable to rationality, at least to some degree, with regard to the collective.

What makes death preferable to life? Is a person simply preferring it enough? What else could be more compelling?