The idea of a lost cause when it is truly lost can make one give up on lost causes as such forever. Some lost causes are so horrifying in the state they end up in, like someone who deformed and destroyed their body in pursuit of a life of fame and fortune might look at the end, that people are tempted to only live their life in accordance with some pseudo-hedonistic-utilitarian-rationalism. Some do try to go this route, thinking we can delete the rational of the philosopher's rational-animal phrase, to live only by our first nature and eradicate our second nature, or to live only materially, not spiritually. There are many arguments and stories I see around this, but what none of them ever even try to admit is maybe it is not lost causes as such, but that some lost causes are just fucking stupid. The next time I listen to someone who takes this view, I need to see them at least start out with this line of thought.