A Response to: “Beyond Hope”

From: Ryan Thurmer


Derrick Jensen’s article, “Beyond Hope”, summarizes his view of society and his reliance (or lack there of) in humanity; there is no hope. His disbelief in hope comes from his theory that hope is the enemy of action; it is what’s keeping “us chained to the system…causing the destruction of the Earth” (par 4). He sees hope as a useless tool, as if someday a flip will switch fixing all of society’s problems and reversing the harm done to the Earth. But he doesn’t have much hope as he says, he believes in action.


I see Jensen’s point of view; I understand his frustration in trying to accomplish something where people believe in a cause but then do nothing to make some change or reversal. I agree relying solely on hope will never cure anything, or fix any situation. But we can act. We can act and believe in our actions and endeavors with a hope for a better future. If we have no view of a better tomorrow why should we do anything to progress our existence, society, or the planet? We would have no reason to. Instead of completely throwing hope aside we can transform our emotional trust in the future into a progressive optimism that requires action, and disregards fear.


We can turn many things around in this world, for the better, if we act upon our optimism in an improved world; giving our view of the future physicality in words and actions.

Derrick Jensen "Beyond Hope"