counsel of despair

noun2

1. •
   A proposal or piece of advice that indicates one has given up on trying to fix a given obstacle or problem.

   • But it is a counsel of despair. You say somebody else might do something to make themselves stronger, therefore we should not bother to look to our own security. — 1986
2. •
   An action or decision that reflects the attitude behind such advice.

   • Again, Agnosticism is “right” if it be a "counsel of honesty” ; wrong if it be a “counsel of despair.” — 1897