Society often admires people on some level for imposing
oppressive regimens on themselves (extreme asceticism, excessive religious
self-denial, etc). Even if we wouldn't practice it ourselves, we often see it
as a sign of strong discipline. But it often indicates a lack of willpower, if less restriction would lead to a total loss
of control. We all have to make some sacrifices that will pay off in the end,
but there is such a thing as pointless sacrifice. It's a way of subjecting
oneself to needless suffering, which is neither reasonable nor healthy.
