That aside, I doubt it's a real cockatrice - or we would've heard about it before.
Why? Cockatrices being dangerous and all I would expect some of them haven't filtered down to me in reports. Is there a list of known cockatrices out there somewhere? Now I'm curious.
All++ existential risk to humanity is because we are stupid monkeys who don't know not to press the button marked "DO NOT PRESS THIS BUTTON".
++ exaggeration for literary effect
My various interweb browsings stumbled me upon a potential Cockatrice in written, philisophical form. I've thus far read through the first chapter, and it is less anti-rational than most philosophical writings.
I'm reading through it right now, and will provide my feedback when I'm done, likely as a front-page post.
Personally, I'm a Fatalist, with some sort of Weird Soldier Ethic, who plans to go out the same way that Hunter did (if the cops don't get me first), but I've got a bunch of nonsense to Write first. I figure that'll make me somewhat immune. That aside, I doubt it's a real cockatrice - or we would've heard about it before.
It is a strong exercise in Nihilism. So, with those cautions given, I offer it to you: an extensive suicide letter.
Tip of the hat to this guy.