Hope springs eternal in the human breast
The man never is, but always is to be blest
We are never satisfied with our present. We are always looking forward to a rosy future when we shall be happier. We are always a little discontented with what we have. This is applicable not only to those who have very little and are, therefore, justified in wishing for more. It is not only those who have failed and whose fortunes are at the lowest ebb, who are constantly complaining against their lot. In fact, most of us are always hoping for something to turn up although we are quite sure that the odds against us are hundred to one. But we never give up the slender thread of hope. We cling to it like the drowning man catching at a straw. It is all right for the hopeless people. But what about the prosperous and happy people who have everything that a man should wish for? Are they really satisfied with what they have? The answer is: ‘No’, it is not only the people who are at the lowest depth of misfortune who are complaining against their present and hoping for a better future. Even those who are at the highest pinnacle of glory and happiness are dissatisfied. In fact nobody is satisfied with his lot. The miserable want to be happy and the fortunate want to be happier; and the happiest want to be happier (which is an impossibility). But that is our nature. Complete contentment is not given to man. He will always look before and after and pine for what is not. Pope is not talking of looking back but only of looking before. Is it bad, this discontent with our present impels us to better our lot to rise and to be happier. Our hope for the future not only lies at the root of our progress but it also gives us courage to face our misfortunes and bear pain. Life would be unendurable without hope.
