Hope springs eternal
Meaning
People always find a way to maintain optimism, no matter how dire or challenging a situation may seem.
Origin
The phrase "Hope springs eternal" was first penned by the acclaimed English poet Alexander Pope in his philosophical work "An Essay on Man," published in 1733. In this sweeping poem, Pope explored the complexities of human nature and the universe, seeking to "vindicate the ways of God to Man." The line, "Hope springs eternal in the human breast: Man never Is, but always To be blest," captures a profound observation about humanity's enduring capacity for optimism. Pope suggested that despite life's inevitable hardships and disappointments, humans possess an innate and unshakeable tendency to look forward with hope, always believing that better times are ahead. This poetic insight quickly resonated and became a timeless proverb, distilling the very essence of human resilience and our relentless pursuit of happiness.
Examples
- Despite repeated rejections, the aspiring writer kept sending out his manuscript, believing that hope springs eternal.
- Even after their team lost five games in a row, the fans gathered at the stadium, convinced that hope springs eternal and a win was just around the corner.