Hope is Evil

Academic News & Updates
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Hope is Evil may seem heretical to those who want to install hope in ourselves and in others.  Trained in clinical psychology with a focus on existential philosophy, we instilled hope in clients. I now think that was wrong.  What I plan to lay out is a more effective way to respond to the daily challenges of our lives.

In Greek mythology, Pandora opened a box filled with evils, and they flew into the world. As the last evil flew out, Pandora slammed the box shut, leaving hope inside. The evil of hope remains within us. It’s evil for two reasons. First, it creates the illusion of progress while nothing changes. Second, it delays action, relying on false hope. Nothing is going to get better without your action and attention. 

The second reason hope is evil is that it distracts, shifting focus away from real action. Constant hoping—whether to graduate, for recovery, weight loss, or the perfect job or relationship—replaces action with waiting. Instead of solving problems, life becomes filled with distractions. These distractions anesthetize us to the beauty and action in the world.

So what’s the choice in lieu of hoping? 

I believe its planning, acting, taking account of what’s worked or not.  Planning, acting, and taking account all sit in Steven Covey’s quadrant II activities.  These activities are important and non-urgent.

Students, instead of hoping for timely revisions, send a friendly reminder about your dissertation schedule. Instead of hoping to lose weight, create and stick to a healthy meal plan.  Instead of hoping for a relationship, be the strong, happy person someone is drawn to and stay.

You know what you have to do.  Here’s to your action!

Best,

James

jimsig

PS: I know many of you hope to edit your dissertation alone with minimal revisions. Take action—schedule a no strings attached 30-minute consult now.