On March 15, 2025, The Wall Street Journal published the heartbreaking news of Daniel Kahneman's choice to end his life through assisted suicide. The Nobel laureate, renowned for his groundbreaking work in behavioral economics, passed away on March 27, 2024, at the age of 90.
Kahneman, who celebrated his 90th birthday on March 5, 2024, made the difficult decision for assisted suicide, spending his final days surrounded by family and friends in Paris. According to journalist Jaison Zweig, who reported the story, Kahneman crafted a deliberate plan: after enjoying quality time with his loved ones, he would travel to Switzerland, where assisted suicide is legally permissible.
Previously, he communicated his intentions through heartfelt emails to dozens of those closest to him. "This is a farewell letter, which I am sending to friends to inform them I am heading to Switzerland, where my life will end on March 27," Kahneman expressed, signaling his clarity about the decision.
Throughout March 2024, Kahneman, well-regarded for his contributions to psychology and economics, shared memorable experiences with family. They visited museums, enjoyed delicious culinary offerings, and took walks through vibrant streets of Paris. Despite these cherished moments, Kahneman was resolute about his choice. Just days before his departure for Switzerland, he began to inform others of his intentions for euthanasia, making it clear he did not suffer from any terminal illness or depression at the time.
Within his farewell letters, Kahneman provided insight to those who cared about him, reflecting on his current state. He conveyed, "I have been believing since my youth, and I am acting according to my beliefs I still enjoy many things" but added poignantly about the natural decline of his health. He noted, "But my kidneys are on their last breath. Mental lapses are becoming more frequent. I am 90 years old. It’s time to go." Notably, these words captured the perspective through which he viewed the latter stages of life.
Despite not being diagnosed with a terminal ailment, Kahneman felt the toll of aging significantly impacted his quality of life. He maintained his active routine, even working on scientific papers during his last days, but as his body wore down, his wishes grew more pressing.
Even as he expressed happiness with his life and anticipated death with acceptance, Kahneman acknowledged the emotional burden his choice placed upon others. "I don’t want to make it a public statement," he noted, indicating his desire for discretion surrounding this personal matter. He understood some of his family and friends found difficulty accepting his decision and preferred to wait until his deterioration was undeniable before accepting the end.
With utmost respect for his privacy, Kahneman revealed his internal thoughts about death. He viewed it as "a sleep without awakening" and articulated his lack of fear surrounding the end of his existence. His reflections adopted both confidence and serenity, showcasing his philosophical approach to mortality.
The legality surrounding euthanasia varies widely. While it is prohibited under Israeli law, where Kahneman had roots, private facilities in Switzerland offer such options under specific circumstances. Following Kahneman's death, ethical discussions surrounding assisted suicide have intensified, reflecting the complexity of the topic.
Jordan Weissmann from Slate remarked on the reactions invoking both sorrow and admiration, illustrating how Kahneman's decision raised significant questions about autonomy, dignity, and the right to choose when one’s life should end. The discussion surrounding euthanasia has gained traction, particularly as more individuals seek dignified exits from suffering.
While the topic invites divided opinions, many agree on the need for vast improvements to healthcare protocols surrounding end-of-life decisions. Kahneman’s story contributes to these debates, echoing his legacy as one who spent his entire career examining how individuals make decisions under uncertainty.
Throughout his life, Kahneman earned recognition for reframing the boundaries of economics to incorporate psychological dimensions. Awarded the Nobel Prize for his contributions, his work examined how emotional and cognitive biases influence economic decisions, leading to lasting impacts on the field.
Today, discussions about Kahneman reflect not only his remarkable insights but also the complex emotional decision he faced at the end of his life. By orchestrated design, he met his final moments on his terms, creating rich dialogue on the nature of autonomy and the quest for dignity as life draws to its end.