Sayings

Hope springs eternal in the human breast

This page is about the saying "Hope springs eternal in the human breast"

Possible meaning:
The normal interpretation of this saying is that people will always be optimistic and think that something better is coming.

Note:
From An Essay on Man by Alexander Pope (1688-1744). Pope seems to be referring specifically to people's belief in a life after death:
Hope springs eternal in the human breast:
Man never is, but always to be blest.
The soul, uneasy and confined from home,
Rests and expatiates in a life to come.

Quick Quiz

When we say that "hope springs eternal in the human breast" we normally mean it is human nature to

a. be hopeful

b. believe in eternal life

c. fear for the worst
a) be hopeful b) believe in eternal life c) fear for the worst

See Saying of the Day today

Contributor: Josef Essberger