Being in the fray is more encouraging than waiting for "the inevitable."

I would rather die on my feet, than die on my knees, is a truism.

It is better to give than to receive is a "very old" and truism.

When people are engaged in selfless struggle for something much
bigger than themselves, they feel better about them selves.

To have hope that what they believe is being made real, satisfies the
spirit.

Making the world better for those who come after us, brings out
gratitude for those who came before us and joy for the folks who follow
in our foot steps. Joy for those who follow is another result.

Seeing things get better and/or envisioning things getting better is a
great feeling.