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[–]anticommon 42 points43 points ago

I think what you'll find is that most people agree that death 'for the greater good' is very righteous and quite brave, but that they are unwilling to make the ultimate sacrifice when push comes to shove. Most people who give their lives for someone/something (ie to save someone out of a burning building) don't do it because they know they are going to die, but instead because they know they might be able to save someone else from dying.

Also, as a relevant story, I was in a chemistry lab last Tuesday and the man I was working with explained to me a story about his best friend from high school. Apparently while his friend was in Vietnam, a grenade fell into their encampment, and he instinctively jumped onto it to prevent injury to his fellow soldiers. He ended up surviving the ordeal, but died a few years later due to complications.

[–]Benjamak 39 points40 points ago

I've rewritten this about 5 times trying to sound brave and heroic, but the honest answer is no, I wouldn't.

[–]rtheone 2 points3 points ago

What I would say: I would die if I was absolutely certain it would mean saving the entire population of the world from complete utter ruin.

Honest answer: Ha ha! No I wouldn't! The world dies with me!

[–]jay051684 1 point2 points ago

I think this is the most honest answer I've ever seen.

[–]len69 123 points124 points ago

My kids. Before I was a father I would hear people say stuff like "if you don't have kids you can't understand." That would kind of piss me off.

Now that I am a dad I understand that phrase, although I do avoid using it.

But the day my oldest daughter was born, my whole life perspective changed. That was a big and immediate surprise for me.

So, all I can say is that I would easily, without question die for my two daughters if I thought that would save their life. Please don't ask me why. I really can't express the reason, other then "if you have kids, you'd understand."

[–]northsider1983 104 points105 points ago

My biggest fear is that I won't understand once I have kids. :-|

[–]deathdonut 23 points24 points ago

It's possible, but don't worry too much about it. I didn't immediately switch into parent-mode when my son was born. It took a few months for me to get to know how amazing he was.

There's nothing I wouldn't do for him now.

[–]hogiewan 9 points10 points ago

same here - It wasn't a quick emotional shift, but after a while there was a deep knowing that I would do anything to save them from death or serious injury.

[–]Likes_your_comment 31 points32 points ago*

Im going to be totally honest here; im a father of two girls. One just turned 2, the other is turning 1 in a few weeks.

They say that a woman is a mother as soon as she is aware of being pregnant, and a man becomes a father when he holds his child. That rang true for my wife.

But as much as it pains me to say this, it was not true for me. I have only just started REALLY bonding with my oldest. I love her more than anything in my life. It hurts even more to say that up until ~10 months ago, I probably wouldve gotten over a tragedy pretty quickly (read: I probably would not have even cared) My youngest... See, I Love her, but I dont really like her that much. I know that will change as she developes a personality.

Im down with kids and heck, even toddlers. My toddler is the love of my life now, but babies just dont do anything for me.

[EDIT] thank you for letting me know that I am not alone. I felt like shit while writing it, as my children were both sitting on me. And I am surprised (though still not really) that a few moms even felt the same way. I may totally be wrong here, but I think these are symptoms of post-partum depression with women. So were we men affected by post-partum as well?

[throwaway acct. Typed from shitty phone,excuse spelling]

[–]pime 20 points21 points ago

I'm a father as well, and I agree with your sentiment. Even touching remotely on a statement like that makes you seem like a horrible monster, so there's no way in hell I'd ever say it publicly.

I was genuinely scared for a while because I thought the same way. I figured that I should have had an epiphany and my entire life focus should dramatically shift in an instant like everyone else claims, but that didn't happen for me. My attachment grew gradually (and is still growing).

Thanks for making me feel a bit more normal.

[–]hogiewan 2 points3 points ago

I think infants are for mothers - I never really bonded with either until words came. I knew they were mine and there was an instinctive attachment, but only later did my desire grow to want to help them with everything or anything

[–]Chuutena 6 points7 points ago

Mother here. I am either one of be few or one of the only mothers who feel how I did. but I honesty and truly didn't "connect" with my son until he was almost a year old. I loved him and all that jazz, but I didn't like him nor did I enjoy being a mother for quite a while. Now I still don't always enjoy the responsibility, he's almost 2 now, but at least I finally like him.

[–]hogiewan 1 point2 points ago*

I think these are the things that most parents feel but it is socially unacceptable to say to all but the closest of friends. The responsibility of the day to day crap is something that wears on me, but my wife is amazing for all of that. I have my chores that I do everyday no matter how reluctantly, and I do jump in to action when shit hits the fan, but bathing 2 kids all the time grates against something inside and I can't do it.

I do find that my wife is more likely to side with or dismiss the wrong of my youngest - a boy, while I do the same with my daughter - the oldest. Maybe it is a male/female thing or the mothers' care for the "baby" with father's sense of the firstborn; probably a combination.

[–]StartingConversation 1 point2 points ago

My mother told me about feeling this way too, and I pretty much understand it.

She said that when I was a baby I was cute and everything, but mostly an amorphous blob of poop and needs. When I started developing a personality and really interacting with the world is when she really started to love me.

[–]WiseSalesman 1 point2 points ago

Upvoted for a legitimately brave, truthful comment. Even if it is from a throwaway.

[–]br33z3 1 point2 points ago

Can't believe you had the stones to say this. You deserve an upboat for bravery alone, but I completely understand what you are saying. My father told me when I was going through this with my first born that, "babies need their mommies now, but they will need you soon." He was right. Something changes profoundly around 1 year, and the personality your child develops perpetually intrigues/charms you.

*Edit - I accidentally a word.

[–]isoT 5 points6 points ago

Yes. This. Maybe some people insta-snap to parent mode, but for many it takes a bit time. It's very natural really. Oh, and you'll have negative feelings too, although the overall will be positive :)

[–]Stick_Bandit 4 points5 points ago

Yeah I felt the same way, I do not have kids but my niece and nephew live with me. I can honestly say if their life was in danger I wouldn't think twice about sacrificing myself, it's definitely a feeling I'm not used to. It's not about being altruistic or being selfless, it's more about feeling so much love for someone nothing else matters. It's actually a really easy decision.

[–]len69 5 points6 points ago

Just the fact that you have that fear, IMO, is proof that you will understand the moment you hold your first kid in your arms, if not before.

[–]loopy212 3 points4 points ago

I don't want to scare future r/fathers out there, but it's not automatic for everyone.

The day I came home from the hospital, my father moved out of the house for two weeks. He moved back in later and my mother stayed with him for a long time after that. He really wanted kids and did all the emotional/spiritual/psychological preparation stuff, but when it came to it something changed (or didn't change more precisely).

I know he does not feel that way about me or my sister; I know he really wants to feel it though.

[–]len69 2 points3 points ago

I hear you. I know there are a lot of people, both men and women, who never feel the way I do, even when they have kids. I certainly didn't mean that once you have kids you will automatically feel like most people do.

My reply to northsider1983 was based on the fact that he/she said "my biggest fear.... " I believe that his/her fear, the feeling and self-knowledge implied by the statement, is evidence that he/she is the type of person who will have those strong feelings for his/her children, what is often called love.

Again, to be clear, I do not claim that is enough to have children in order to love them. There is so much proof in the world to the contrary. Hence my surprise in myself when I did discover those feelings within me.

[–]IATAvalanche 1 point2 points ago

I'll admit, i was worried about the same before my son was born. i was worried that we wouldn't connect or that I wouldn't love him as much as I should.

All of that washed away the second he was put into my arms. I would literally do anything for him.

Don't worry about it, it's very common to have this worry.

[–]__BlackSheep 1 point2 points ago

Be like me and try not to understand why you have kids.

"How the hell did this brat get here? Why does he want me to feed him stuff? Where did he come from?"

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

that is a real fear, and I didnt even feel this way until lately, and my kid is 2 years old now..

[–]teakwood54 2 points3 points ago

Hello, Dexter Morgan

[–]gingerjoyce 5 points6 points ago

Very true. I didn't understand it until my daughter was born. I would both die for, and kill for, my daughter.

[–]Dolomite808 9 points10 points ago

You don't know what love is until you realize that if your daughter ever killed someone, you would totally help dispose of the body.

[–]TheAristrocrats 4 points5 points ago

Yup. I hope I never confront the choice of whether to protect my son or do what's best for society, because I know I will choose my son every time.

[–]Navi_to_the_rescue 1 point2 points ago*

You don't need to have kids in order to understand. I understand that having kids would change the fundamentals of who I am so much that I'd even be willing to die for them -- and in effect, I'd be inclined to give up most of my life for them, even if I didn't physically die. It's one of the reasons I won't be having kids. I only have one life. Why would I ever want to create the need/desire to give it up?

[–]crilen 1 point2 points ago

Ditto, except 3 daughters.

They're so precious. Oldest is 4.

[–]weldedshark 1 point2 points ago

Totally agree with everything you said. Especially your last statement. I would do anything for my little man and couldn't explain why.

[–]johninbigd 1 point2 points ago

Same here. I'd die for my kids in a heartbeat if the situation called for it.

[–]BFSkinner 44 points45 points ago

I would die for my partner if she needed it.

[–]selflessGene[S] 17 points18 points ago

If she feels the same way, don't you think that would make her unhappy that you gave up your life?

[–]anticommon 57 points58 points ago

There is already a Shakespearean play about this exactly.

[–]HomeButton 53 points54 points ago

Oh yeah, it's that one where one person dies and the other one is sad.

[–]thatwasntababyruth 21 points22 points ago

I think he's talking about Julius Caesar.

Yeah, definitely Julius Caesar.

[–]fmlfml1 2 points3 points ago

This thread is the tl;dr of Shakespeare.

[–]thawigga 22 points23 points ago

Mr.Gorbachev tear down this wall

[–]CelebornX 5 points6 points ago

Jersey Boys or something like that.

[–]FutileComments 10 points11 points ago

It may sound odd, but for this very reason I hope that my wife dies first. It would hurt like hell for me, but I think I'm better suited to handle it.

[–]Winged_Wheel 6 points7 points ago

This guy hopes that his wife dies first...

... that his wife dies first...

Am I the only one who imagined a scenario where he would be very ill and, knowing he would die in a few weeks or months, come up to his wife with a knife saying "shhh, I'm doing it for you, you need to go first, because I know you won't be able to handle my death", then slash her repeatedly?

[–]analfuck 156 points157 points ago

Kids, I am old they deserve to have some more life if it came down to that.

[–]darthjochen 298 points299 points ago

Nice sentiment, Analfuck.

[–]CaptainNonchalant 46 points47 points ago

All fathers should aspire to be like analfuck.

[–]PresidentOfEurope 15 points16 points ago

Hah! I'm getting mixed emotions about this post

[–]Anal_Torpedo 1 point2 points ago

Quite.

[–]STRFCKR 6 points7 points ago

See, funny that you mention this. Sadly whenever i heard an adult or young adult suffered an accident and were killed, it's really hard for me to feel bad. But when i hear that kids were involved in something fatal, that crushes me.

[–]TheLastBadger 1 point2 points ago

I was going to make a joke here, but I didn't. I just want you guys to know I could've......I could've.

[–]patternfall 6 points7 points ago

Same here. My daughter, without question.

[–]PlatonicTroglodyte 99 points100 points ago

Nice try, Jigsaw.

[–]SolKool 3 points4 points ago

His last victim reached front page, so he is in for some new victims.

[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–]MilkItLikeACow 12 points13 points ago

My cows.

Love them to death, and they are what pay for my internet. How could I pay the bills if they were dead?

[–]Yesthisisdog89 5 points6 points ago

This is so funny to read because I know so many people who feel the same way. I don't have cows of my own but work with a herd of dairy cows through research, they brighten my day without fail. I love cows.

[–]rmxz 1 point2 points ago

Where do you sell your dairy products?

Because I'm pretty sure you treat them well, and I'd pay extra for that kind of passion.

[–]Sadclowndoesfrown 1 point2 points ago

This is a lie, cows have no concept of currency.

[–]psuedophilosopher 119 points120 points ago

No, because I'm a 24 year old single white male in USA. My life's too good.

[–]walterwizzight 16 points17 points ago

Feels good man

[–]homeboy5925 34 points35 points ago

future 1%er reporting in

[–]Dolomite808 32 points33 points ago

If you are not a 1%er now, you will most likely never be.

[–]balathustrius 11 points12 points ago

Perhaps he's waiting for a big inheritance.

[–]thebeefytaco 4 points5 points ago

To be in the top 1% in the US you have to be making $350k+/year. That's not so unreasonable. If you work hard you can do that.

You don't have to be making millions to be in the 1%.

[–]wateristasty 2 points3 points ago

But he's going to win the powerball.

[–]CaptainNonchalant 2 points3 points ago

27 years reporting in, I'm living for myself.

[–]Barleycorn 11 points12 points ago

You know this is going to sound weird, but I've always wanted to sacrifice myself for someone. I've always had this inner voice telling me that I need to be a hero, and if the chance ever arose I'm almost certain I would take advantage of it.

[–]chocoboat 1 point2 points ago

I understand exactly what you're saying. I feel a similar way... in that I've thought about this and I know I would do it if it was for someone important. But I certainly wouldn't WANT do it, or be in a position where it would be required.

Wonder what psychiatrists would have to say about this. I'm sure there's something about "I wish I had a girlfriend who's awesome enough that we'd develop a deep enough relationship that I would die for her".

You know what's weird now that I think about it... while I would certainly risk my life and face near-certain death to save someone important... I'm not as sure I could do it if it was 100% certain death.

[–]thisisntnamman 53 points54 points ago

Bill Cosby

I would Zip Zop Zoobity Bob right over a cliff with him as my captain.

[–]melnair 18 points19 points ago

My kids. In half a heart beat

[–]LegioCI 44 points45 points ago

Dying for something is easy. Living for something is by far harder.

[–]Lampmonster1 31 points32 points ago

Not if you have to die for something by stabbing yourself to death with a toothpick.

[–]AlmightyRuler 1 point2 points ago

ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: EPIC DEATH -- Pincushion.

[–]SolKool 1 point2 points ago

a toothpick to the crotch.

[–]sjpr 18 points19 points ago

My kids..... Well maybe not the boy.

[–]iAmericA45 14 points15 points ago

I've never cared for Gob.

[–]Hibria 43 points44 points ago

I would die fighting for the internets.

[–]Stevieo68 22 points23 points ago

They may take our lives, but they'll never take our INTERNET!

[–]SoggyBarSoap 2 points3 points ago

I came here to say this. You can take away my pride, family and so on, but you can never take away my internet!

[–]WizerdBeards 1 point2 points ago

Me too, bro. Me too.

[–]welike2party 13 points14 points ago

I would die for my dog. She saved me, I owe her one.

[–]m8- 13 points14 points ago

My little brother, he still has a chance.

[–]olafthebent 11 points12 points ago

Wife and kids

Because it's my job to protect them and I take it seriously.

[–]welike2party 2 points3 points ago

we got a badass over here... but really thats awesome

[–]let_me_be_frank 22 points23 points ago

I would die for my lamp. I love lamp.

[–]BeakerRulz 2 points3 points ago

I love desk

[–]failbot30000 53 points54 points ago

I'd die for my girlfriend currently. If she left me, I wouldn't die for her, but I'd be all like, "Maaaaaan, that sucks."

Also my dog. I would gladly lay my life on the line for my dog.

[–][deleted] 55 points56 points ago

Your dog? Really? I understand the sentiment but if someone broke into my house with a gun and said, "I have 1 bullet and it's going either into your skull or your dog's skull. Pick.", you can be damn sure that it wouldn't be me lying in a pool of my own blood.

[–]failbot30000 117 points118 points ago

You're right, because my dog would have that fuckers throat torn out before he finished his sentence.

[–][deleted] 20 points21 points ago

Problem solved!

[–]failbot30000 43 points44 points ago

My dog (Duke) was a police dog who was retired after he and his handler were both shot during a chase. His handler didn't survive and with the wound, Duke was unable to perform his duties as a police dog.

I adopted Duke when my friend told me the story and I even have Duke's discharge papers the clerk made for him. They're framed right above his bed. Fuck I love that dog.

[–]Lampmonster1 20 points21 points ago

Hell, I love that dog and I've never met him.

[–]jayjayreddit 8 points9 points ago

Me too. I'd probably die for him.

[–]ComebackShane 1 point2 points ago

Well, you didn't mention your dog was a damned hero. We'd all die for that pooch!

[–]malegr1a 1 point2 points ago

Fuck, I love that dog, too.

[–]Mastodontus 1 point2 points ago

Here's a wrench. I trust you.

[–]KUARCE 18 points19 points ago

I would certainly risk my life for my dogs. For example: if I arrive home to a blazing inferno, I am damn sure going to go into the house looking for them.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

Absolutely. I would too. But that situation is far different from the one I mentioned above. In your situation there is a reasonable chance that both of you will be fine. In my situation one of you will definitely die.

[–]KUARCE 4 points5 points ago

You're right, but going into mortal danger does mean you would be willing to die. I suppose it is the "gray area" answer to the question, where your scenario is black or white.

[–]siriuslyred 10 points11 points ago

Upvoted for the dog! It would do the same!

[–]C0GNITIVE-DISS0NANCE 6 points7 points ago

I saw a picture of a dog on Reddit the other day who, supposedly, had been sitting next to his owner's grave for days.

Your dog would much rather die for you than have you die for him, I think.

[–]slidewithme 6 points7 points ago

Having nothing else to do, I thought about this for a while. I love my whole family, but if I died for my grandmother or my mother... they'd be pissed at me. :) They would say that their lives have been great, but that it's my turn now. I know they would. I wouldn't die for them, but I would live on for them, in their names and honor. I would do great things simply because they gave me the tools I needed to accomplish anything.

I would die for my sister, or my brother. They have so much awesome potential, I feel like the world would be a worse place without them. If my death meant they could live on with the oppourtunity to prosper, I would do it without a thought.

I would die for my husband. He, too, has incredible potential. More than my love for him, I have respect for his intelligence, and I would hope that he'd share that with the world. I hope that one day he realizes all of this, too.

Not leastly, I would die for my rights as a woman. I would gladly give my life in exchange for my sister and all women to be able to choose, without fear of any law being passed dictating what she can and cannot do with her life, and her body. I would die so that she and they could live in safety, without danger from rape, abuse, or inequal treatment.

[–]tklibe 34 points35 points ago

I would die in the defense the United States of America, because I swore that I would, and perhaps more practically, they currently have about $200,000 worth of tuition to hold over my head. If the Marine Corps wants to send my ass to some distant corner of this planet to get shot, they can do so, and signed a piece of paper that said I am 100% a-ok with that.

[–]twistertrv 25 points26 points ago

I would die in the defense the United States of America.

Don't think of this question as me belittling your service, this is hypothetical only. Would you die in the offense of the USA? Like if the government decided to invade Canada to gain access to it's oil reserves?

[–]tklibe 45 points46 points ago

Great question - definitely something I've thought about a lot. The truth of the matter is that I basically signed away my right to have an opinion on this matter (or rather to act on it). I serve at the pleasure of the President, and I have to put my trust in the American people that they only use the power of the American military for good. If I chose to disobey a lawful order, I can and will be court martial and probably spend several decades in a military prison. If the American government decides to invade Canada, for access to oil or maple syrup or whatever, I'm going. It's a lawful order. If they want me to machine gun civilians, that's an entirely different matter.

Both of my parents are retired Marine offices, and my sister will commission in May of this year. What I've learned from them, and from other military figures in my life, is that when the shit hits the fan, you're really not fighting for oil, or even Mom, God and apple pie. You're fighting for the Marine on your left and on your right.

This was pretty long-winded and nonlinear, but I hope you got at least some impression of my feelings on the matter. Definitely something I wrestle with, given our recent foreign policy record.

[–]I_am_a_kitten 8 points9 points ago

This was a great discussion to read. A++ would upvote and read again.

[–]MissEscapeArtist 1 point2 points ago

I serve at the pleasure of the President, and I have to put my trust in the American people that they only use the power of the American military for good.

This. It doesn't matter that there are people who are willing to die for this country. What matters is that there are people who do. As a child, friend, and lover to those who've fought and a few who've died by the orders of this nation, those words guide my opinion on the matter. Thank you for your service.

[–]chases_tits 3 points4 points ago

I have to put my trust in the American people that they only use the power of the American military for good.

Well, you are fucked.

[–]tklibe 1 point2 points ago

As of late, I would be inclined to agree with you. We've definitely swung the broad flaming sword of American military might in the wrong direction and with too much force in the past. But the US military has also done a great amount of good for the world. Interventions in Kosovo and Somalia, disaster relief throughout the world - hell, go back to World War II if you have to find a concrete example. All I'm saying is that the US military has been a force for good in the past, and I joined in the hopes that it will continue to find ways to serve the greater good.

[–]selflessGene[S] 12 points13 points ago

Wars are never sold as offensive engagements. Its always in defense of something: land, way of life, principles, etc.

If the war in Iraq can be sold to a country of 300 million as a defensive war, anything can.

[–]a_sticky_heresy 5 points6 points ago

It's a good question. Again, not trying to ne q douche, but have any German soldiers who fought in the second world war spoken out about this conundrum?

[–]twistertrv 4 points5 points ago

That's precisely where I was going with this question.

[–]moose_man 2 points3 points ago

I'm a Canadian. I know I would fight until my dying breath to defend our country, but there's no way in hell I'd be going to start a war with another country. I'm not quite sure why. Perhaps if someone like Hitler came to power and some real shit started to go down I'd fight- not that they'd want me- but I would definitely fight to protect our citizens.

[–]enmunate 1 point2 points ago*

Dying for your country is way, way over rated. Just because you signed a piece of paper, doesn't mean that you are no longer your own person. Your death will be a tragic loss, and I think it is silly for people to think your sacrifice will be worth it in any way.

I know too many people that have come back from over seas in a pine box. A leatherneck, like yourself, got blown up when he stepped on an IED. His wife (one of my best friends) is now a widow. They never got to celebrate their first wedding anniversary. She has a son that was born after his father's death. His death wasn't worth it! Your death won't be worth it either!

One person is too many people to have know to have died overseas.

Edit: basically what I am saying is that you, tklibe, are worth far more than what the Marine Corps ever put into you, and you tklibe are far more important than the United States of America. In 2,000 years the USA won't be here any way, so why risk your life for a place that won't exist in such a short time?

[–]stalinsorgan 15 points16 points ago

I'd die to get my ex-wife back.

[–]Shankley 58 points59 points ago

I'm not sure that would work.

[–]MeatyElbow 9 points10 points ago

Actually, isn't it guaranteed to work? Is she going to hassle him in the afterlife?

[–]Shankley 2 points3 points ago

I interpret it to mean that he would die so they could be together again, not that he would die as a form of revenge. Either way, not the best plan.

[–]selflessGene[S] 1 point2 points ago

Why is she your ex?

[–]stalinsorgan 3 points4 points ago

I thought things would get better if I divorced her.

[–]johninbigd 6 points7 points ago

They will get better, just perhaps not in the way you expected. Hang in there.

[–]stalinsorgan 1 point2 points ago

I keep telling myself that, but things haven't gotten any better in a year; it's easy to lose hope.

[–]johninbigd 3 points4 points ago

I went through a pretty shitty divorce. I know the feeling. The key to getting through this stage you're in is to reclaim your own identity. You still see yourself in the context of a relationship with her and you can't see a happy way to live that doesn't involve her. Well, the truth of the matter is that's just bullshit. Forget out her (easier said than done, I know), then learn to be happy on your own. Develop a strong sense of self that doesn't require affection or approval from anyone.

Start down that path and you'll never regret it. It's definitely a process, and it's not easy, but the only way to be truly happy is to be your own person and not depend on others to make you happy, especially women. It's a tough road, but you can do it.

[–]stalinsorgan 1 point2 points ago

My problem is that I never really had an identity before her. I was a friendless loner that only got any attention when I could do something for other people. She was first person to treat me like a friend. Now that she's gone, I've found I don't have anything but my "original" self left. I know that I should try to be the sort of person I want to be, but it feels like acting.

[–]johninbigd 1 point2 points ago

Dude, it's like you're my twin! Seriously, I was in the same boat. I've always derived my identity from the people I was around, or whoever I was dating at the time. That continued into my marriage. When we got divorced, as much of a cliche as it sounds, I didn't know who I was. I really didn't. I didn't know what it meant to be me outside of the context of other people. It's hard, but finding out who I am has been a life-changing process.

About the acting thing...fake it until you make it. Spend some time really thinking about this. Imagine an idealized version of yourself that is strong and independent, a man who pursues his own desires and dreams and who tells the naysayers to fuck the hell off. What does that person look like in your head? How does it feel in your mind when you imagine being that person? That is your goal: become that man.

[–]ParallelDementia 4 points5 points ago

My best friend, without a second thought.

Other than that, if I had a chance of survival I'd put myself in danger for a few people I like but am not particularly attached to.

[–]PerfectFaro 17 points18 points ago

My daughter. Because if I were to lose her, my life wouldn't be worth living anyway.

[–]mom2meerkat 4 points5 points ago

My daughter, hands down. I never knew it was possible to love any one person or thing as much as I love her. And, my husband. He's an amazing, selfless man, and I know he would do the same for us.

[–]CATfixer 8 points9 points ago

I kind of made that decision when I became a firefighter.

[–]09112001 20 points21 points ago

I'd die for a Klondike bar

[–]sapperRichter 6 points7 points ago

Ha! You're killing me!

[–]ducktomguy 11 points12 points ago

I'd die for your sins. Just kidding, I won't do that anymore

[–]homeboy5925 19 points20 points ago

THEY JUST KEEP SINNING! I FUCKING DIED FOR YOU ASSHOLES

[–]PinkRocket 2 points3 points ago

My best friends and family. Why? Because I cherish them so much that I want them to live on. Though, I 100% don't know if I would actually sacrifice my life when it comes to it. But I think I would.

[–]Magrippinho 2 points3 points ago

It's the basis for one of my answers in the age-old "what is love" question: If I'm willing to die in your place, I truly love you.

[–]jfkk 1 point2 points ago

Just don't hurt me.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points ago

I would die for my mother, father, fiance and dog. They mean the world to me.

[–]plus1zero 2 points3 points ago

I'd die for my girlfriend, because she's been through a lot in her life, and she deserves someone to love her that much.

My mom or dad, because they've done more for me than I'll ever be able to do for my children.

My sister, because she's just a better person than me.

[–]jhnsdlk 2 points3 points ago

"I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong" - Bertrand Russell

[–]annafrida 2 points3 points ago

My little sister. Without a second thought. Our age gap is substantial and so I'm pretty protective.

[–]Crimeodial 2 points3 points ago*

If I had to die to save a group of people, I would. It would probably be the first worthwhile thing I ever did with my life.

[–]dothejstu 2 points3 points ago

I know you've come to kill me. Shoot, you are only going to kill a man.

[–]sd66 2 points3 points ago

I think about this sometimes, and I would for my 11 year-old brother in a heartbeat.

[–]Nydrummer76 2 points3 points ago

My son of course. Without him, I'm useless anyway.

[–]Sabbz 2 points3 points ago

My country. I'm not a soldier - but if some great war broke out and they needed every able bodied man and woman to take up arms to defend the boarders of my home, I'd be at peace with the fact I probably wouldn't come home.

[–]tickoftheclock 2 points3 points ago

I'd rather die than give up my freedom.

[–]Caca_Milis 1 point2 points ago

but you dont have freedom.

Youre whole life is constricted in chains that weigh you down and avoidance is emotional or physical punishment. If you dont pay taxes you go to jail. You dont have freedom of movement to areas. Your whole life is regimented from the day your born untill the day you die and even then you could enslave your decendants with burdens like bills the very idea of true freedom is an abstract idea that is unattainable unless the very society of the world unravels.

Sorry im slightly depressed right now

[–]fman5k 2 points3 points ago

That's easy, Hypnotoad

[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–]boatinrob 12 points13 points ago

I'd gladly die if it meant gay, racial & gender equality world-wide.

[–]GI_JOE_PSA 1 point2 points ago

Never happen. It's like running a race, but trying to ensure that everyone hits the finish line at the exact same time. Some people trained harder, some are better runners, some are going to cheat. The best you can hope for is equal opportunity.

[–]LunarAlloy 1 point2 points ago

Was lookin for something like this. I'm greedy an would probably demand more - say everlasting world freedoms or complete worldwide demilitarization. That and my wife.

[–]cherrycreampie 1 point2 points ago

NO!

[–]pics-or-didnt-happen 1 point2 points ago

I would die to save one innocent person, but if I had to die to save the planet, I'd let the fucking thing burn.

[–]Lirak 1 point2 points ago

i think people like saying this more than really MEANING it... I'd say probably not, it's one thing to say I would to look honorable, another to say I would when looking down the barrel of a gun.

[–]qonni 1 point2 points ago

Maybe when I'm older and/or a parent, but right now the answer is no. I can't really explain it, but the absolute nothingness of death scares me more than anything, and I'll do a lot to avoid it.

[–]monsta2021 1 point2 points ago

Yes because someone's life will always be more important than mine.

[–]zanzibarman 1 point2 points ago

This is what I grapple with everyday. I'm torn between going to school or joining police/firefighting/military

[–]laughingman19 1 point2 points ago

Almost anyone. If I was given the opportunity to save the lives of friends or family, I would be more then willing to sacrifice myself. I find some some sort of blind honor in being able to make a sacrifice for someone in need. It is purely selfless. How valuable do you consider your own life?

[–]emmapkmn 1 point2 points ago

My boyfriend and entire family. We're all a close knit family and I'd literally put my life on the line for any one of them.

[–]TAGWest 1 point2 points ago

For my country and my mates.

[–]Onironaute 1 point2 points ago

For my partner. Because living on without him would be hell for me, but I know he'd be fine eventually without me.

[–]kinjala 1 point2 points ago

No, because I am the typical selfish human being.

[–]Herborist 1 point2 points ago

"An old man dies. A young woman lives. A fair trade. I love you, Nancy. "

[–]darth_mo 1 point2 points ago

I don't know where I heard the quote, and I don't have a chance of getting it right, but whenever I hear something like this I remember the idea that it is much easier to die for a cause/person than to live for them.

You could die for world peace, or the eradication of racism etc... but will you dedicate your LIFE to that? The rest of your life? You'll die for your kids, but will you get off the computer and LIVE for them? Give up smoking or drinking or any other addiction that even might maybe make things difficult for them?

It's a much more difficult thing to live.

[–]straw_that_broke 1 point2 points ago

The swarm

[–]Dewstain 1 point2 points ago

My children, no questions asked. You have to have kids to understand why.

Also my wife, but after my children. I expect she'd say the same about me.

[–]legallyunderage 1 point2 points ago

Jumped onto a throwaway:

Almost anyone. Without a doubt I would take a bullet for my girlfriend and parents, but there aren't many people I wouldn't do this for. Let me preface it by saying I'm not suicidal, I just don't have the strongest will to live. I know this sounds awful but I don't mean it in a way that I won't work hard to live my life, but I feel most people would go on to have a happier life than I. My family has a long history of mental and physical genetic disorders, and as I am the remaining heir to those genes, it wouldn't be the end of the world if I never got to pass them on. Again, I do plan on living my life and on day having kids, but if the opportunity to sacrifice my life in order to give someone the opportunity to live a happy life, I would take it in a second.

Here's an example: A couple weeks ago I was visiting Seattle. It was a rather cold day and and the water was without a doubt close the freezing. We were walking on a pier when I heard a scream and someone said a little girl fell in the water. Without even considering it I took a step towards the railing with the full intension of diving 20 feet into the waters below. Mind you I have no previous life guarding experience, but there wasn't even a debate in my mind on if I should save this young girl at the risk of my own life or not, it just happened. However, as I took that step I saw the girl in question had not fallen in the water below as I had thought, but instead fell into a puddle on the pier. I don't think any of this makes me a better person, I actually think it makes me selfish for not considering how the others in my life would feel if I died saving someone else.

[–]BetweenJobs 1 point2 points ago

My wife and kid. In my head, I'm "allowed" to fuck up anything in my life, as long as they are both OK. Enduring all the burdens of the world, the most shameful humiliations, or even my own death is a cakewalk compared to the pain of living with the knowledge that I failed either of them in some major way.

I'm responsible for two things in the universe. That's it. And there is no sacrifice I won't make of myself to meet those responsibilities.

[–]Tschis 1 point2 points ago

Yes. Some people are worth too much for me.

[–]stewer69 1 point2 points ago

my kid, no questions asked. also if i were convinced that my sacrifice would cause humans to start treating each other better. that aint gonna happen though.

damn little else.

[–]MistaPitts 1 point2 points ago

"In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world, and you will be launching the largest aerial battle in the history of mankind. Mankind, that word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences any more. We will be united in our common interest. Perhaps it's fate that today is the 4th of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom. Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution, but from annihilation. We're fighting for our right to live, to exist; and should we win the day, the 4th of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day when the world declared in one voice, 'We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on, we're going to survive.' Today we celebrate our independence day!"

[–]picalo 1 point2 points ago

My boys, instantly for any reason I would die for them.

[–]Gondsman 1 point2 points ago

There are three girls who I would gladly die to protect. They are sisters, and for the last 8 or so years have been like a second family to me. They have been there for me when I have needed them, and I love them all very dearly. I know this comment will probably not see much action, but whenever this question gets asked, I feel the need to add my two cents because I feel everyone should have someone in their life that means as much to them as my "sisters" mean to me.

[–]NoMoreNicksLeft 1 point2 points ago

My wife. My daughter. Most of my relatives, especially the younger (the cousins younger than I, my wife's nephew, etc). It's more important to live for them though, death is only when that's no longer possible.

[–]musthavesoundeffects 1 point2 points ago

I would die if it meant I could take everyone of you fuckers with me.

[–]Alex_Plalex 1 point2 points ago

Only my brother. It'd be selfish of me to die for my parents, because they would never, ever be able to live with it. It'd wreck them.

My brother is the only definite "yes".

[–]SarcasmServedHere 1 point2 points ago

"The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of a mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one."

          ~Wilhelm Stekel

[–]Just_another_man 1 point2 points ago

Only 3 things. God, love, and country.

[–]Toastidge 1 point2 points ago

My fuckin' cat.

[–]thenicolai 1 point2 points ago

If I ever wound up in a situation where ending my life could save the lives of multiple others, then yes.

[–]xSwirl 1 point2 points ago

My friends. They make my life worth living.

[–]RandianHero 1 point2 points ago

Dying for your beliefs is stupid. Make the other person die for his beliefs.

[–]saggysocks 1 point2 points ago

At the moment now I don't think I would die for anyone but when I get older I'd probably die for someone I love like a wife and kids. If I were to die for anything it would be to create a benevolent world, as opposed to an apathetic one.

[–]InTheFury 1 point2 points ago

My free will.

Because there is nothing worse than feeling as so you are not following your own decisions anymore.

[–]Gih0n 3 points4 points ago

I'd jump out the window right now if it meant world peace.

[–]cwstjnobbs 2 points3 points ago

My friends, family and pets.

I would risk injury for my possessions.

[–]JJ4577 1 point2 points ago

(for context, I'm a religious Jew) For the security of the land of my Fathers, Israel.

[–]secretly_a_zombie 0 points1 point ago

My self-preservation trumps most of my moral and emotional obligations.

My respect for the people who raised has always been skyhigh though, probably not to the point of self-sacrifice but close.

[–]gregmax 1 point2 points ago

animals

[–]sorrydaveicantdothat 1 point2 points ago

I think i Would die to know the origin of the universe, provided i was at a rasonable age like 60 at least

[–]homeboy5925 1 point2 points ago

4 da cause

[–]sixxis 2 points3 points ago

I would give my life to save the women and children. I am the disposable male.

[–]oolz 1 point2 points ago

oh please, most of you will barely get up to piss. It may make you feel good about yourself to type up some bullshit answer on how you'd give your life for random people or your pets or some other stupid shit, but you know it's BS. You're the same people that spend your lives looking at the TV saying "If that were me" yet you never do anything.

[–]goodbyeart 0 points1 point ago

Sure. My friends and family have my life in their hands. Not a single doubt about that.

[–]Enginerda 0 points1 point ago

Immediate family: brother and parents.

[–]pars28 0 points1 point ago

My family, they made me who I am and gave me everything I could ever imagine.

[–]omnilynx 0 points1 point ago

Honestly I think the list of people I'd die for is actually pretty long. Even casual acquaintances. Basically anyone who I know is a decent person.

As for concepts, I'd like to think I'd die for things like freedom of speech but honestly I think the only thing I'd really die for is my religious beliefs.

[–]morebeergoodsir 0 points1 point ago

Anyone in my immediate family, and quite possibly my English Bulldog Fannie.

[–]gpeacetea 0 points1 point ago

I'd take a bullet for anyone in my family. My friends on the other hand, said that they would kill me for a working light saber.