3
(Y)
6.
The analysis of Mr. Liu's personality structure across several years reveals no symptoms associated with any of the above-
mentioned mental illnesses. Quite the contrary: for each of
these four classifications of psychopathology, he was just the
opposite, a paragon of mental health.
Rather than a depressive personality, his was a happy outlook,
more than the average person. One student reported to me that
Mr. Liu "seemed always happy when I met him." Liu's published writings also take an optimistic stance towards life (cf.
▲, 11?in the November, 1975 issue of the Chinese
University Student Union Newspaper.)
There is no evidence of emotional over-reaction; but rather
emotional balance and perseverance even in the face of difficulties.
The possibility of schizophrenia must be discounted in an
individual so effectively meeting, and excelling, the demands
of his environment. And a diagnosis of alienation must also
be ruled out as highly unlikely for a person well-integrated
with family, friends, and career pursuit.
Even in individuals with no record of long-term mental illness,
there have been cases of sudden and unexpected outbreaks of
temporary psychosis, culminating in suicide. To consider this
possible cause of Mr. Liu's death, one must consult the depositions
that have been made of his conversation, actions, and manner in
the days and hours immediately preceding his death.
One such deposition has been made by Mr. Y. H. Lam,
recording Mr. Liu's conversation, behavior, and demeanour
on Sunday, July 24, 1977, two days before his death.
The occasion was a morning walk in Kowloon with two friends.
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