Response 1

Jensen supports his argument that hope is “powerless” by defining hope in the context of “inaction” and “ineffectiveness,” rather than as an agent for any type of meaningful change. Drawing on Jensen’s conclusions, hope is considered “bad” because it places individuals in a circumstance that does not promote action. Generally speaking, hope is considered a tool for coping with problems that people have no control over. However, this notion of control is also subjective. Without hope, people would have no option but to attempt action. Regardless of the outcome of these actions, individuals would be more inclined to make an effort to change their negative circumstance.

In the context of my own academic and creative work, I can see a direct correlation between hopefulness and hopelessness. At times, I am hopeful that I will produce great work, but hopeless about my ability to do it. If I did not spend the time hoping for success, but working towards that success, to the best of my ability, I most likely would have a better outcome. There are times when I hope I will wake up with a creative idea for a project. It is times like these when I may put off working on the project for a day and try to let ideas come to me. However, rather than wasting the day hoping for ideas to pour in, it may be more beneficial to spend the day actively thinking about ideas and engaging in behaviors or activities that would help stimulate my mind. Jensen’s statement “when hope dies, action begins” appears to have great value. 

-Haley Weinger