Self-denial

Self-denial (related but different from self-abnegation^[1] or self-sacrifice) is an act of letting go of the self as with altruistic abstinence – the willingness to forgo personal pleasures or undergo personal trials in the pursuit of the increased good of another.^[2] Various religions and cultures take differing views of self-denial, some considering it a positive trait and others considering it a negative one. According to some Protestants, self-denial is considered a superhuman virtue only obtainable through Jesus.^[3] Some critics of self-denial suggest that self-denial can lead to self-hatred.^{[4][better source needed]}