Wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita 5

29. Some look upon the Self as marvelous. Others speak of It as wonderful. Others again hear of It as a wonder. And still others, though hearing, do not understand It at all.

30. This, the Indweller in the bodies of all, is ever indestructible, O descendant of Bharata. Wherefore you ought not to mourn for any creature.

31. Looking at your own Dharma, also, you ought not to waver, for there is nothing higher for a Kshatriya than a righteous war.

32. Fortunate certainly are the Kshatriyas, O son of Prithâ, who are called to fight in such a battle, that comes unsought as an open gate to heaven.

33. But if you refuse to engage in this righteous warfare, then, forfeiting your own Dharma and honor, you shalt incur sin.

34. The world also will ever hold you in reprobation. To the honored, disrepute is surely worse than death. 

35. The great chariot-warriors will believe that you have withdrawn from the battle through fear. And you will be lightly esteemed by them who have thought much of you.

36. Your enemies also, cavilling at your great prowess, will say of you things that are not to be uttered. What could be more intolerable than this?
  
37. Dying you gain heaven; conquering you enjoy the earth. Therefore, O son of Kunti, arise, resolved to fight.

38. Having made pain and pleasure, gain and loss, conquest and defeat, the same, engage then in battle. So shall you incur no sin. 

—Bhagavad Gita, 2:29-38