He who despairs over an event is a coward, but he who holds hope for the human condition is a fool.
CamusPhilosophyEthicsHumanityHopeDespairCowardiceFoolishness
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Despairing over specific events shows weakness, but hoping for the overall human condition ignores reality.
- In plain terms
- Giving up on specific problems is cowardly, but expecting humanity to be good is naive.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid both despair and naive hope regarding human nature.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is hope for humanity naive?
- How do you respond to setbacks?
Another view
It dismisses the value of hope as a motivating force for change.
More from Albert Camus
Half a man's life is spent in implying, in turning away, and in keeping silent.
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