He that lives upon hope will die fasting.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote "He that lives upon hope will die fasting" encapsulates a profound truth about the nature of hope and its limitations when not accompanied by action or realistic expectations. At its core, the quote suggests that relying solely on hope, without taking tangible steps towards achieving one's goals or desires, can lead to disappointment, unfulfilled aspirations, and ultimately, a sense of emptiness or hunger metaphorically represented by "fasting."
Hope, as a concept, is fundamental to the human experience. It provides motivation, resilience, and a sense of optimism in the face of adversity. When we hope for something, whether it's a better future, success in endeavors, or the fulfillment of our dreams, it ignites a spark within us, driving us forward even in challenging times. However, hope alone is not sufficient to bring about meaningful change or realize our aspirations.
Living solely on hope implies a passive approach to life, where one passively waits for things to improve or for dreams to materialize without actively pursuing them. It's akin to expecting outcomes without putting in the necessary effort, planning, or action required to bring those outcomes to fruition. In this sense, hope becomes a form of wishful thinking, detached from the practical realities of life.
The metaphor of "dying fasting" paints a vivid picture of the consequences of relying solely on hope. Fasting, traditionally associated with abstaining from food, represents deprivation or lack. By extension, "dying fasting" symbolizes the feeling of deprivation or unfulfillment that arises when hope is not supplemented by concrete actions or realistic strategies. Just as a person physically starves without nourishment, one's aspirations and goals can wither away without the sustenance of effort, determination, and practical steps towards their realization.
Moreover, the quote suggests that an overreliance on hope can lead to complacency or a false sense of security. When individuals pin their hopes on external factors or rely on the mere possibility of favorable outcomes without actively engaging in the pursuit of those outcomes, they may become stagnant or resigned to their circumstances. This passive approach can hinder personal growth, inhibit progress, and perpetuate a cycle of disappointment and disillusionment.
However, it's essential to note that the quote doesn't dismiss the significance of hope altogether. Instead, it serves as a cautionary reminder to complement hope with action and pragmatism. Hope, when coupled with proactive effort, becomes a powerful catalyst for transformation and achievement. By setting realistic goals, formulating plans, and taking consistent steps towards them, individuals can nourish their hopes and turn them into tangible results.
In essence, the quote encourages a balanced approach to hope—one that acknowledges its motivational force while emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement and realistic expectations. It urges individuals to harness the power of hope as a driving force for change, but also to recognize that hope alone is not sufficient to navigate the complexities of life. By integrating hope with action, individuals can not only fulfill their aspirations but also cultivate resilience, perseverance, and a deeper sense of fulfillment along the journey.
Who said the quote?
The quote "He that lives upon hope will die fasting." is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin (Bio / Quotes). Benjamin Franklin was an American statesman, writer, and inventor who played a key role in the founding of the United States.
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Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
A historical example that vividly illustrates the quote "He that lives upon hope will die fasting" is the case of the Roanoke Colony, also known as the Lost Colony, in the late 16th century.
The Roanoke Colony was one of the earliest English attempts at establishing a permanent settlement in North America, located on Roanoke Island, off the coast of present-day North Carolina. In 1587, a group of about 115 settlers, led by John White, arrived with high hopes of creating a prosperous colony. They were full of optimism and trust in the promise of future success and resources.
However, their hopes were not matched by immediate, tangible support. John White returned to England for supplies and reinforcements, but due to various circumstances, including the Spanish Armada and delays in his return, he was unable to return to Roanoke Island until 1590. When he arrived, the colony was deserted, with no trace of the settlers except for the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post.
The settlers' hopes for a thriving colony and their reliance on future help were not sufficient for their survival. They lacked the immediate resources and preparations necessary to endure the harsh conditions and potential threats. Their hope alone could not sustain them in the face of reality. This historical example shows that without concrete actions and resources, hope alone cannot provide the sustenance needed for survival, aligning with the message of the quote.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
In real-life scenarios, the quote "He that lives upon hope will die fasting" serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of practical actions and tangible results over mere optimism. For example, consider someone who dreams of starting their own business. It's inspiring to have a vision and hope for success, but those dreams must be accompanied by concrete steps such as developing a business plan, securing funding, and executing strategies.
Imagine an individual who envisions a successful restaurant but does not take practical steps to make it a reality—such as researching the market, planning the menu, and securing a location. If they simply wait and hope that their restaurant will magically succeed without putting in the necessary work, they are unlikely to achieve their goals. Their hope alone, without actionable plans and effort, will not result in success and may lead to failure or disappointment.
Similarly, in personal relationships or career development, having hope is essential but not enough. For example, someone hoping to advance in their career must also actively work on their skills, seek out opportunities, and build professional networks. Hope provides motivation, but practical actions are needed to realize those hopes.
The quote underscores that hope, while important, must be complemented by effort and tangible actions to be effective. It’s a call to balance optimism with practical measures to ensure that aspirations translate into real achievements.
Applying the quote to your life
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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.
