Hope Quote by Edwin A. Abbott
““Yet at least we can admire the wise Prearrangement which has ordained that, as they have no hopes, so they shall have no memory to recall, and no forethought to anticipate, the miseries and humiliations which are at once a necessity of their existence and the basis of the constitution of Flatland.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions by Edwin A. Abbott, 1884
The lack of hope in a constrained world prevents memory and foresight, making suffering inevitable yet foundational.
In simple terms: Without hope, people forget and cannot anticipate suffering.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hope’s role to break cycles of suffering.
Themes
hope
memory
forethought
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- mental health
- policy design
Key Concepts
existentialism
determinism
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How does hope affect memory?
- What structures can replace hope to prevent suffering?
A Different Perspective
Hope alone may not solve systemic issues.
