His Cannons Are Fixed Against Self-Slaughter

What would make a person commit suicide, and rob their loved ones of something dear? 

Consider the case of Martin Manley, who took his own life yesterday, the 15th of August.  Though he is no longer with us, the Internet has allowed this man to expain his actions, posthumously:

http://www.martinmanleylifeanddeath.com/home_page

http://www.inquisitr.com/907295/martin-manley-man-commits-suicide-posts-website-treasure-map-to-his-fortune/

As the link above documents, Mr. Manley included coordinates to a cache of gold and silver he claims to have buried while still alive.  This set off an influx of "treasure hunters" who have descended on Arboretum Park in Overland Park, Kansas, in search of the deceased man's coins.

This is a very fitting metaphor for the esteem in which society seems to hold life:  Life itself is seen as cheap; it's what one can accumulate during life that matters.