Carlo Michelstaedter might have become one of the great modern philosophers. His writings were said to parallel Kierkegaard and precede Heidegger. Unfortunately, he committed suicide at the age of 23.

Among Michelstaedter's themes was the emptiness of life. Humankind, he said, foregoes happiness for potential reward that never comes. Morbid, indeed.

That philosophy matches up perfectly with the end of Michelstaedter's life. One evening, he returned home and got into an argument with his mother; she was upset that he forgot her birthday. Jewish mothers, right? Michelstaedter went upstairs and shot himself.

Foregoing happiness for potential reward that never comes? Sad, indeed.