Hope Blog 3

I do not believe that there is a black and white answer to the question about fighting against overwhelming odds. As with many questions, there are different situations that seem right.
There are times when fighting against the odds seems to be the right thing to do. I believe that this is true, but only in a few situations. The first situation is where the only real solution is too fight, meaning that those attacking you will kill you, whether you surrender or not. The second situation is where a few people continue the fight and sacrifice themselves so that even more will be able to escape with their lives. The third and final situation is reminiscent of the three hundred Spartans sacrifice. Where a defending force will fight against overwhelming odds, not only to save fellow countrymen, but also to inspire those same people and fill them with hope and pride.
Aside from those very few situations, I believe that it is foolish to try and fight an enemy who his far stronger than you. If surrender is an option (with the stipulation that they let you live) then it should be taken. Not only is fighting against greater odds foolish, but forcing others to do the same or giving into pressure to do the same is as foolish. In these situations I am not just talking about being outnumbered, I am also talking about being outgunned and outmaneuvered. If a group of people are just outnumbered but have better weapons or can move around easier, then it is a very real solution to carry on the fight and have a good chance of beating the enemy (as in the American Revolution).
Honor is never more important than life. Humans should never have such a large ego that they are willing to sacrifice their life for their honor. Dying an honorable death (such as dying in battle) is only better when it prevents the capture of more people, or if you will be killed dishonorably in surrender. Even worse than dying for your honor, is making others die in order to protect your honor. Rather than sacrifice other peoples lives, either die honorably yourself, or surrender dishonorably. Something nearly as dumb, is dieing for someone else’s honor. Their honor does not matter to you, nor should it, so dieing for it is an act of stupidity.
For the most part, fighting against greater odds is a dumb thing to do, and, if possible, the lesser force should just surrender to the larger force, to avoid large amounts of casualties. In the few times that it is right to fight against greater odds, they will still suffer casualties. Humans ego should never be so large that they are