Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote delves into the essence of faith and hope, two powerful human emotions. Faith refers to our belief in something we cannot see, like a higher power or a positive outcome in a difficult situation. It's this unwavering belief that helps us remain optimistic and maintain our resilience. Hope, on the other hand, is our desire for things that are not immediately attainable. Hope keeps us motivated to strive for better outcomes, despite obstacles that may stand in our way. Both faith and hope encourage us to push forward and persevere through life's challenges.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand." was said by Thomas Aquinas (Bio / Quotes). Thomas Aquinas was a medieval Italian philosopher and theologian who is best known for his work "Summa Theologica.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
The quote, "Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand," finds a profound illustration in the life and struggles of Nelson Mandela during his long imprisonment. Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years, most of which were spent on Robben Island, under harsh conditions. Throughout these years, he remained largely isolated, often in a small cell, without any clear indication that his fight against apartheid would succeed. The oppressive apartheid regime showed no signs of yielding, and there was little visible evidence that his efforts would lead to a free and equal South Africa.
Yet, Mandela’s faith was not contingent on what he could see. He had no concrete evidence during those years that his cause would prevail, but his faith in the principles of justice and equality remained unshaken. Mandela believed deeply in the righteousness of his struggle, even when the world around him seemed unchangeable. His faith was in the unseen – in the idea that, though there were no immediate signs of success, the moral arc of the universe would eventually bend toward justice.
Similarly, Mandela’s hope was directed toward something not yet at hand: a free and democratic South Africa. He had no way of knowing when or if this hope would be realized, yet it was this hope that sustained him through years of hardship. His hope was not merely a wishful thought; it was a steadfast belief in a future that had not yet materialized but one he worked tirelessly to bring into being. The eventual dismantling of apartheid and Mandela’s rise to the presidency of a democratic South Africa in 1994 demonstrated the power of faith in unseen principles and hope in a future that seemed distant for so long.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
In a real-life scenario, the quote speaks to the experiences we all face when navigating uncertainty or striving toward long-term goals. Imagine a person who has a deep passion for becoming a writer. They may have a full-time job in a different field, with writing only possible in their spare time. There are no guarantees of success – no book deals, no immediate recognition, and often no feedback that their work is even making a difference. This is where faith comes into play. The aspiring writer must have faith in their craft and in the process itself, even though there are no visible signs of success. Faith, in this sense, is the belief in the value of their writing, the importance of storytelling, and their potential to grow as an author, even when these outcomes are not yet seen.
Hope, on the other hand, manifests in the vision they hold for their future as a writer. The goal – perhaps to publish a novel, to be recognized for their work, or simply to reach a wide audience – is not yet within reach. It’s a future outcome that requires time, effort, and perseverance. This hope is what keeps the writer going through the rejections, the late nights, and the self-doubt. It’s the light on the horizon that motivates them to keep moving forward, even when the path is unclear and the destination feels distant.
In both cases, the writer’s faith sustains their daily practice, while their hope directs their long-term vision. Together, these elements provide the strength to keep going despite the lack of immediate rewards, illustrating how faith and hope work in tandem to help us achieve goals that are meaningful and significant, though not immediately visible or attainable.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
