The nuanced view is to recognize that they’re two different things.
As a nurse, I can tell you there comes a point where recognizing the inevitability of death becomes a relief. When the battle with disease is lost, continuing to suffer through futile medical interventions is only going to deprive you from any moments of peace you might have left.
Accepting one’s fate, however, isn’t the same thing as giving up. It still allows for meaningful life, no matter how brief it may be.
Viewed in this light, giving up seems to be a self-defeating stance. But I get it – there is only so much pain and suffering one can endure before coping resources run out and exhaustion sets in. Think of the person in chronic pain, for example.
So if you ever feel like giving up, recognize this as a temporary state. You need a respite, some way to regroup and recharge your inner resources.
How to do that is whole other topic – but I think it’s possible.