It requires courage not to surrender oneself to the ingenious or compassionate counsels of despair that would induce a man to eliminate himself from the ranks of the living; but it does not follow from this that every huckster who is fattened and nourished in self-confidence has more courage than the man who yielded to despair.

Summary

This quote highlights the distinction between two types of courage. It suggests that true bravery lies in resisting the tempting advice of despair, refusing to give in and take one's own life. However, it cautions against assuming that those who appear confident and self-assured possess more courage than those who succumb to despair. It implies that true courage may rest in confronting and grappling with one's deepest fears and vulnerabilities, rather than merely projecting an image of confidence or bravado.

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