It has been a year since Daniel Kahneman, the Israeli-American psychologist and Nobel laureate, passed away at the age of 90 in 2024. A new revelation about his death has recently emerged, drawing widespread attention.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Kahneman chose to end his life at an assisted suicide facility in Switzerland, a decision he kept private, sharing only with close family and friends. The revelation was detailed in an essay by columnist Jason Zweig, titled "The Last Decision by the World’s Leading Thinker on Decisions."

In the essay, Zweig wrote, “I think Danny wanted, above all, to avoid a long decline, to go out on his terms, to own his own death.” Kahneman reportedly sent a farewell email to his family on March 26, 2024, before traveling to Switzerland. While some of his loved ones accepted his decision, others continue to struggle with it.

In his final email, quoted by The Wall Street Journal, Kahneman wrote:

"I have believed since I was a teenager that the miseries and indignities of the last years of life are superfluous, and I am acting on that belief. I am still active, enjoying many things in life (except the daily news) and will die a happy man. But my kidneys are on their last legs, the frequency of mental lapses is increasing, and I am ninety years old. It is time to go."

Kahneman’s Legacy: A Pioneer in Decision-Making

Born in Tel Aviv in 1934 to Lithuanian-Jewish parents, Kahneman reshaped our understanding of decision-making. His groundbreaking research, conducted in the late 1960s, integrated cognitive psychology with economics to explain how humans form judgments and make choices—especially under uncertainty.

His work led to the development of Prospect Theory, a revolutionary framework that challenged traditional economic models and laid the foundation for behavioral economics. In recognition of his contributions, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded him the 2002 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences.

Kahneman’s Views on Assisted Suicide

Following the revelation of his death, Kahneman’s friends and family clarified that while he made a personal choice, he neither endorsed nor encouraged assisted suicide for others. His decision was a deeply personal one, aligning with his lifelong beliefs about autonomy and dignity in the final stages of life.

Daniel Kahneman’s Impact on People Matters

Kahneman’s influence extended far beyond academia, shaping organizational decision-making and leadership strategies. His insights have left a lasting mark on People Matters, particularly in navigating workplace complexities.

During a Fireside Chat at People Matters TechHR Singapore, Kahneman shared practical strategies for making rational decisions. He emphasized the importance of structured interviews, reducing cognitive noise, and creating a bias-free workplace—principles that continue to guide organizations today.

Daniel Kahneman’s work has fundamentally changed the way we think about human behavior, decision-making, and economics. While his passing and the manner of his death have sparked discussions, his intellectual legacy remains intact, continuing to shape fields as diverse as psychology, business, and policy-making.