Skip to content

How the gods must have chuckled when they added Hope to…

“How the gods must have chuckled when they added Hope to the evils with which they filled Pandora's box, for they knew very well that this was the cruellest evil of them all, since it is Hope that lures mankind to endure its misery to the end.” quote by W. Somerset Maugham
Download Open image
““How the gods must have chuckled when they added Hope to the evils with which they filled Pandora's box, for they knew very well that this was the cruellest evil of them all, since it is Hope that lures mankind to endure its misery to the end.””

W. Somerset Maugham

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Hope is portrayed as a cruel twist, giving humanity the will to endure suffering, making misery more tolerable yet prolonged.

In simple terms: Hope makes us keep suffering longer.

Key Takeaway

Recognize when hope becomes a barrier to change.

Themes

suffering hope human nature

Mood

melancholic thoughtful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • war trauma
  • chronic illness
  • long‑term projects

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology motivation

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is hope always beneficial?
  • When does hope become harmful?
A Different Perspective

Hope can delay necessary action to end pain.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by W. Somerset Maugham

Explore all 840 W. Somerset Maugham quotes

More Evil quotes

Browse all 11,163 Evil quotes