To be noble is to be true to one's self,and is neither diying as a martyr or living in chains.These are just myths from the past.

Dosen't it depend on what your a martyr for? And to me, it would depend on what would give me more power to help my cause, not nobility. So I guess it depends. Mumia Abu Jamal is a powerful underground figure who has a very vast following, and he lives to this day on death row... at least he's alive and fighting for what he believes in, even if it is in chains.... It's a good question, but it really depends on what will help your cause more I guess.

To be, or not to be--that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune Or to take arms against a sea of troubles And by opposing end them. To die, to sleep-- No more--and by a sleep to say we end The heartache, and the thousand natural shocks That flesh is heir to. 'Tis a consummation Devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep-- To sleep--perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub, For in that sleep of death what dreams may come When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause. There's the respect That makes calamity of so long life. For who would bear the whips and scorns of time, Th' oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely The pangs of despised love, the law's delay, The insolence of office, and the spurns That patient merit of th' unworthy takes, When he himself might his quietus make With a bare bodkin? Who would fardels bear, To grunt and sweat under a weary life, But that the dread of something after death, The undiscovered country, from whose bourn No traveller returns, puzzles the will, And makes us rather bear those ills we have Than fly to others that we know not of?

In the Letter to the Philippians, Paul, in prison, has a debate with himself on the very subject: 12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. (Me: he counts the possibility of talking about Jesus to the prison population as a PRO) 14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. (Me: He counts the encouragement his imprisonment has given other Christians as a PRO) 15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defence of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. (He counts the criticism he receives from some circles with the Christian community, and that he can do nothing about as a CON) 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. (But he reasons, even if they talk badly about me, as long as they are talking well of Jesus, that is a PRO) Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. (Me; he hopes that his faithful example will continue to encourage others) 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. (Me: he counts living as an opportunity to keep on working telling people about Jesus PRO)Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; (Me: if it were his choice, he would prefer to be with Jesus) 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. (Me: but he acknowledges that it is better for the moment that he lives) These are the words of a man in prison, and I think the sentiments would be very similar for any person with strong beliefs who is imprisoned for those beliefs.

The world has enough Martyrs already. As long as there is life there is still hope one may get free again to continue their work.