According to Greek Mythology, humans lived in a paradise until Pandora’s curiosity let loose all manor of ills including poverty, crime, sorrow, disease (plague), etc. The last thing she unleashed was hope and that begs the question whether hope was the only good thing in the mix or is yet another tribulation.

It can be argued that hope deludes us into thinking we have some measure of control over the future. That leads to disappointment, or worse, when our hopes are not realized. Hope is a four-letter word.

Some philosophies encourage us to relinquish power (to god, fate, or the universe for example) and, in doing so, gain hope. To them, hope is a comfort. Ironically though, hope comes not from believing we have control but from proclaiming that we don’t.

My level of hope waxes and wanes but rarely have I felt totally hopeless. It’s a miserable and perilous experience. I like (the delusion) that I have choices and some control over my destiny. I don’t always make good choices, but I’ll take my lumps and move on much happier than if I feel like I had no choice to make. (Do I have control issues? You betcha!) And I can live with occasional disappointment.

Noelle: Dlsappointment doesn’t kill.
Dr. Abby Barnes: Right… rejection kills. Dlsappointment only maims.

From the movie The Truth About Cats and Dogs

Q: How do you make hope float?
A: A tall glass, cold coke, two scoops of ice cream, and hope….

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Posted by tvansant