Post Praetorian said:

So here is a philosophical consideration to be shared...if one were to determine that one's existence in the world were actually a detriment to one's own entourage, while equally considering that one's absence might pose a different problem of similar magnitude is it more noble to stay the course or abandon ship...?

For example, if one were to discover that one was an insatiable gambler whose persistent existence could only ruin normal familial stability, while at the same time recognize that one's absence would allow for one's newborn child to grow up without a close paternal figure is it preferable to cede to the demands of the present or to linger still further to accomplish the goals of a future tense?

To clarify, in the above scenario there can be no realistic thought of a cure for the disease in question and no real doubt as to the eventual discord with which the child might grow to view the one who lingered on seemingly for his/her sole benefit...thus given that both paths end in pain is it best to cut it to the quick so that it might be swiftly done, but be long in duration; or is it preferable to allow this given harm to fester, however allowing that any eventual parting might be considered more of a final blessing than a curse...?

Having known an insatiable gambler who left his children behind with a premeditated exit from this world, I'd say that it would be better to linger, for the other option is an admission to the world that the sufferer felt completely trapped , worthless, and powerless to change his situation. Whether or not the world truly is deterministic, or whether or not he could better himself in time, seems to be beside the point. It's belief in oneself that is important, the belief that one is essentially good and has the humility to recognize that they can't know the outcome of every situation, no matter how hopeless it seems. Acting to cut life short, or to artificially prolong it beyond the will of the flesh itself, tends towards selfishness and hubris.