When one has come to accept a certain course as duty he has a pleasant sense of relief and of lifted responsibility, even if the course involves pain and renunciation. It is like obedience to some external authority; any clear way, though it lead to death, is mentally preferable to the tangle of uncertainty.

Summary

This quote suggests that accepting a certain course as one's duty brings a sense of relief and a lifted burden of responsibility, even if that course involves hardship and sacrifice. It compares this acceptance to obedience to an external authority, where following a clear path, even if it leads to unfavorable outcomes, is mentally preferable compared to the confusion and uncertainty of not having a clear direction. In essence, the quote highlights the psychological comfort derived from embracing a sense of duty and clarity, regardless of the challenges involved.