This paper argues that under conditions of uncertainty, there is frequently a positive option value to staying alive when compared to the alternative of dying right away. This value can make it prudentially rational for you to stay alive even if it appears highly unlikely that you have a bright future ahead of you. Drawing on the real options approach to investment analysis, the paper explores the conditions under which there is a positive option value to staying alive, and it draws out important implications for the problems of suicide and euthanasia.

中文翻译：

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人生的期权价值

本文认为，与立即死亡的选择相比，在不确定的情况下，维持生命常常有一个积极的选择价值。即使您似乎不太可能拥有光明的未来，这个价值也可以使您保持生存的审慎理性。借助实物期权方法进行投资分析，本文探讨了维持正期权价值的生存条件，并对自杀和安乐死问题产生了重要影响。