Self-denial (also called self-abnegation[1] and self-sacrifice) is altruistic abstinence - the willingness to forego personal pleasures or undergo personal trials in the pursuit of the increased good of another.[2] Various religions and cultures take differing views of self-denial, some considering it a positive trait and others considering it a negative one. According to some Christians, self-denial is considered a superhuman virtue only obtainable through Jesus.[3] Some critics of self-denial suggest that self-denial can lead to self-hatred and point to the self-denial practiced in Judaism as having resulted in self-hating Jews.[4]