America Quote by Pablo Neruda
“Latin America is very fond of the word "hope." We like to be called the "continent of hope." Candidates for deputy, senator, president, call themselves "candidates of hope." This hope is really something like a promise of heaven, an IOU whose payment is always being put off. It is put off until the next legislative campaign, until next year, until the next century.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political commentary on hope in Latin America, 2015
The speaker critiques the overuse of "hope" as a political slogan, suggesting it delays real action and accountability.
In simple terms: Hope is used as an empty promise, postponing real change.
Demand concrete policies over vague optimism.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- voting in elections
- advocating policy reforms
- community organizing
- public debates
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens differentiate genuine hope from empty promises?
- What actions replace hope when it becomes a delay tactic?
Hope can motivate but also be exploited to avoid responsibility.