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Today's Quote

Anne Lamott, "Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: you don't give up"

by 드리머쑨 2025. 5. 3.
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Anne Lamott's quote, "Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: you don't give up," emphasizes that even in the most desperate situations, hope is ignited through proactive effort, and with perseverance, a brighter future will eventually arrive.  

 

Meaning:

  • "Hope begins in the dark.": True hope often emerges during the most difficult and seemingly hopeless times, when everything appears bleak. The darkness symbolizes current hardships and challenges, and the will to break free from this darkness becomes the starting point of hope.
  • "The stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come.": It's not a passive waiting game; rather, consistently trying to do what is right fosters a resilient hope. Even small positive actions contribute to creating change and nurturing hope. "Stubborn hope" signifies an unwavering hope that doesn't easily surrender.
  • "The dawn will come.": Just as night eventually gives way to dawn, no matter how long and dark it is, current difficulties will also pass, and a brighter future is certain. This conveys hope through the natural progression of time and nature.
  • "You wait and watch and work: you don't give up.": Achieving hope requires not only patience but also observing the situation ("watch"), consistently taking action ("work"), and persevering without yielding to difficulties ("don't give up").

Summary of Content:

This quote conveys the following key points:

  1. Paradoxical Beginning of Hope: Hope can originate in the most despairing circumstances.
  2. Active Creation of Hope: Proactively trying to do what is right strengthens hope.
  3. Assurance of the Future: Current hardships are temporary, and a brighter future will arrive.
  4. Importance of Perseverance and Effort: Achieving hope demands patience and consistent effort.

Examples:

  • Nelson Mandela: Imprisoned for many years for opposing apartheid in South Africa, Nelson Mandela never gave up on his fight for human rights and equality despite the bleak situation. His persistent efforts and hope ultimately led to the democratization of South Africa, a prime example of "stubborn hope that began in the dark" leading to "dawn."
  • Individuals Overcoming Disabilities: People who face congenital or acquired disabilities and strive to overcome their limitations exemplify the quote's meaning. Despite challenging realities, their consistent efforts in learning, exercising, or engaging in artistic activities demonstrate how "trying to do the right thing" cultivates hope and inspires others.
  • Resilient Entrepreneurs: The stories of entrepreneurs who persevere through numerous failures and financial hardships, eventually achieving success through innovative ideas and relentless effort, illustrate the message of "wait and watch and work: don't give up." They may have initially been in the dark, but their commitment to moving in the right direction brought them to a brighter future.
  • Environmental Activists: Faced with the severity of climate change and environmental pollution, many environmental activists continue to diligently engage in "doing the right thing" to protect the environment. Even if immediate changes seem small, their persistent efforts foster hope for a better future for generations to come.

In essence, Anne Lamott's quote offers a profound message of resilience and proactive hope for anyone facing difficulties, from personal struggles to broader societal challenges.

 
Anne Lamott (born April 10, 1954) is an American novelist and nonfiction writer known for her self-deprecating humor, honesty, and compassion. Her writing often touches on personal experiences, including her struggles with alcoholism, single motherhood, and her journey to Christianity. She is also a progressive political activist and a writing teacher. Some of her notable works include "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life" and "Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith."


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