Hope is not naive — it is a strategy. These quotes explore optimism in the face of difficulty, the refusal to give up, and the quiet stubbornness of believing that tomorrow might be better than today, even when the evidence is thin.
“I think, my generation, it's hard to have hope when you got a $700-trillion derivatives debt to pay and a bubble about to explode and $500 trillion worth of GDP.”
“I am very lucky that I get to tell stories for a living. I love being able to grab people's attention, to keep them turning the pages, to make them stay awake all night. I want to stir the pulse, yes, but also to stir the heart. I hope 'The Woods' does that.”
“Just as despair can come to one only from other human beings, hope, too, can be given to one only by other human beings.”
“I remember thinking, That's what I need - and that hope was in Jesus Christ.”
“I would hope they would be our fellow artists, rather than trying to emulate or idolize clowns like us.”
“What we hope to achieve is a society that doesn't value a white man because he's a white man, but also doesn't value a woman because she's a woman, or a black because he's a black.”
“The quality of light by which we scrutinize our lives has direct bearing upon the product which we live, and upon the changes which we hope to bring about through those lives.”
“When one takes action for others, one's own suffering is transformed into the energy that can keep one moving forward a light of hope illuminating a new tomorrow for oneself and others is kindled.”
“One of the principal goals in my life has been to avoid embarrassing my children by doing the job I do. I hope I've managed to do that, and I hope that, with the job I'm in now, they are, if not proud, at least unembarrassed by it. I must say, my three are most agreeable children, who do nothing but delight me.”
“I think the way IBM has embraced the open source philosophy has been quite astonishing, but gratifying. I hope they'll do very well with it.”
“Hope is a flatterer, but the most upright of all parasites for she frequents the poor man's hut, as well as the palace of his superior.”
“To my great disappointment, it appears that the politics of division are making a big comeback. Many Americans share my disappointment - especially those who were filled with great hope a few years ago, when then-Senator Obama announced his candidacy in Springfield, Illinois.”
“I hope to stand firm enough to not go backward, and yet not go forward fast enough to wreck the country's cause.”
“I had in mind a message, although I hope it doesn't intrude too badly, persuading Americans, and especially Southerners, of the critical importance of land and our vanishing natural environment and wildlife.”
“Hope, the best comfort of our imperfect condition.”
“I had a huge advantage when I started 50 years ago - my job was secure. I didn't have to promote myself. These days there's far more pressure to make a mark, so the temptation is to make adventure television or personality shows. I hope the more didactic approach won't be lost.”