One spiritual writer has observed that human beings are…
““One spiritual writer has observed that human beings are born with two diseases: life, from which we die; and hope, which says the first disease is not terminal. Hope is built into the structure of our personalities, into the depths of our unconscious; it plagues us to the very moment of our death. The critical question is whether hope is self-deception, the ultimate cruelty of a cruel and tricky universe, or whether it is just possibly the imprint of reality.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Humanity carries two afflictions: mortality and hope, the latter suggesting life isn’t final, yet it may be self‑deception or a true aspect of reality.
In simple terms: Life and hope are twin diseases; hope may be illusion or reality.
Key Takeaway
Question the role of hope in life.
Themes
hope
mortality
existentialism
Mood
thoughtful
philosophical
Type
reflective
inspirational
When to use this quote
- end‑of‑life care
- personal resilience
- creative writing
- spiritual counseling
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
ontology
Questions to Reflect On
- Is hope a comfort or a delusion?
- How does hope influence decisions near death?
A Different Perspective
Hope can lead to denial of inevitable outcomes.