If one knows their remaining time on earth is relatively short, what can a person do if they wish to sacrifice themselves for a good cause? A few examples might be:
What other examples are there where a terminal illness comes into contact with a sacrifice of an extreme nature?
Of course having no living relatives, etc., makes this much easier.
Well, I would sacrifice myself to some act that was ethical.
Certainly the examples you gave are not.
I would do nothing that would create a negative view of me after I'm no longer me. Of course, I would be dead and have no worries.
First, get your house in order, second, donate the remaining time to a worthy cause or charity.
The research suggests, psychaedelics: Psychedelics in Palliative Care. These don't just benefit the terminally ill person taking them, but those around them. It is thought by inducing neuroplasticity, they allow people to reframe what they are going through, during a traumatic and intense time.
The end of a life is a last chance to settle feuds & dischords. This has been a major concern cross-culturally across the eras, & speaks to concern with leaving a legacy of unfinished business. I'd say this is the top priority, healing rifts, and also unfinished projects or unrealised potential (that there is time for). These are associated with the restless dead (very appropriate for Halloween). We should aim to die having made our peace.
Wanting to go out in a blaze of glory Gran Torino style, seeking that, rather than finding it necessary, doesn't seem healthy to me. Suicide bombers presumably think they are doing good, but things that require violence rather than the law, generally just lead to more violence.
Leaving a lasting impact, and being remembered well also, is something there are rarely shortcuts to, or someone else would likely have already taken them. Discussed here: What are some philosophical works that explore constructing meaning in life from an agnostic or atheist view?
There are lots of people in crisis -- homeless shelters, battered women's shelters, kids with learning disabilities, kids with just bad home environments. All of them could use volunteers.
There are lonely people too. In all walks of life. Most common in senior care facilities and hospitals, but in every neighborhood and profession you will find lonely people, who would benefit from friendship.
If you really want to engage in a fatal activity, there are two current active threats to democracy in the world -- the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the rise of right wing thug movements. You could volunteer in Ukraine for a combat unit. You could also join the Proud Boys or some similar movement as a snitch.
If you didn't want to go for direct violence, Ukraine takes volunteers in the rear area rebuild activities. OR you could join an anti-fascist group, and advocate for democracy, demonstrating and publicizing against the Proud Boys and hate agendas.
Of the two choices you mentioned, I believe you need an option. But before you take one, you should think about the consequences and all the possibilities that might happen. If such anti-social activities are likely to sprout even after your sacrifice, then your sacrifice will be in vain. Often dirty politics is the root cause of such anti-social activities.
Then philanthropy with an emphasis on getting rid of anti-social activities might be a silent revolution you can follow without anger. https://asitis.com/2/63.html
