In Erica Jong's "Fear of Flying," the author reflects on the struggles of facing life's challenges. She highlights the simplicity of choosing despair or martyrdom as a way out of difficult situations, suggesting that these paths may offer an immediate escape from pain. However, Jong argues that the real challenge lies in enduring the trials of life without succumbing to those temptations.

Choosing to do nothing and to simply wait through hardship is portrayed as a profound act of courage. The emphasis is on the importance of patience and resilience, illustrating that enduring life’s ups and downs is a more difficult, yet ultimately more rewarding, path compared to the ease of giving up or seeking attention through suffering.