Hoffnung

Why We Hope – A Cultural History from Antiquity to Today

Hope is a feathered thing that perches in the soul and sings songs without words. What the poet Emily Dickinson managed to express in such graceful words still touches every person's relationship with their own life and the world today. But can hope still be considered a source of strength today, or is it rather an escape from reality? Is it a virtue or folly? Should we not let hope die and finally begin to act in our crisis-ridden times? A look into 2500 years of the history of hope certainly proves its timeless relevance.

Jonas Grethlein explores the horizon of hope and gives voice to philosophers and founders of religions, martyrs and writers, artists, victims, and the suffering from all epochs, to help humanity learn to cope with an uncertain future. He illuminates the essence of hope, describes how it arises, what it focuses on, and what it can be founded upon. He presents a humane book – written for all those who get up every morning and go through life in the quiet assumption that it will somehow be worth it to continue being in the world.

“For hope is what nourishes most people.” Sophocles

The Principle of Hope – an enlightening journey through the last 2500 years, brilliantly presented by Jonas Grethlein. Why and on what we hope despite everything.