Despair stems from fear, which often arises from the perception of an unsolvable situation—or at least one perceived as such. It is not so much the situation itself that is distressing as the feeling of powerlessness in the face of its unfolding, and despair springs from the inability to influence it through any action. It is clear, then, that in such cases, irresponsibility can serve as a palliative. And despair is always, to a greater or lesser extent, the repercussion of a mental phantom. That is why, when one does not fear death, when one has no attachment, nothing ultimately seems so frightening. And that is also why those who take refuge in the strength of faith never despair.