“Hope is an illusion a dangling carrot something to keep us going but going towards what”
In this quote by James Frey, the author questions the idea of hope and its purpose in our lives. Frey suggests that hope may be nothing more than an illusion, a false sense of optimism that motivates us to keep moving forward without a clear direction of where we are headed. This thought-provoking statement challenges the traditional notion that hope is a positive force in our lives, and encourages us to reexamine the role that hope plays in shaping our destinies.
In today's fast-paced and uncertain world, many people may question the role of hope in their lives. The quote by James Frey encapsulates this sentiment, suggesting that hope may be perceived as an illusion that only serves to keep us moving forward without a clear direction. This notion of hope raises the question of its modern relevance and whether it truly provides purpose in our lives.
"Hope is an illusion, a dangling carrot, something to keep us going but going towards what." - James Frey
This quote by James Frey delves into the concept of hope as being potentially misleading or even deceptive. It raises questions about what exactly hope leads us towards, and whether it is truly a driving force for positive change.
As we contemplate the concept of hope being an illusion, it is important to consider how this perspective might influence our thoughts and actions. Here are some questions to guide your reflection:
“I feel strong. Not strong enough to face myself, but strong enough to keep going.”
“I want to see you tomorrow, but I don't know what this thing with my parents is going to be like. When you go to lunch, sit so you can see into the Men's section. If my back is turned, I can't meet you. If I'm facing you, I can meet you and the number of plates on my tray is the time I'll be here. What if you can't come till midnight?Then I'm going to look like a fucking idiot.”
“I sit and I listen to John cry and I wish there was something I could do to help him. I sit and I listen and I wish there was some way I could make it better. There is no hope for John, no hope at all. He could go to five hundred Clinics and spend ten years working the Twelve Steps and it wouldn't make a bit of fucking difference. He has been broken beyond repair, wounded beyond the point of healing, abused beyond the point of recovery. He will never know happiness or joy, security, or normalcy. He will never know pleasure, satisfaction, serenity, clarity, peace of mind or any semblance of sanity. He will never know or trust love. You poor, sick, sad Motherfucker. You will never know. I'm sorry.”
“Addiction is a decision. An individual wants something, whatever that something is, and makes a desicion to get it. Once they have it, they make a decision to take it. If they take it too often, that process of decision making gets out of control, and if it gets far out of control, it becomes an addiction. At that point the decision is a difficult one to make, but it is still a decision. Do I or don't I. Am I going to take or am I not going to waste my life or am I going to say no and try and stay sober and be a decent person. It is a decision. Each and every time. A decision. String enough of those decisions together and you set a course and you set a standard of living. Addict or human. Genetics do not make that call. They are just an excuse. They allow people to say it wasn't my fault I am genetically predisposed. It wasn't my fault I was programmed from day one. It wasn't my fault I didn't have any say in the matter. Bullshit. Fuck that bullshit. There is always a decision. Take responsibility for it. Addict or human. It's a fucking decision. Each and every time.”
“He pulled out turned west and started driving towards the glow it was thousands of miles away, he started driving towards the glow.”
“He smiles, even though he knows it will never be like that again, even though he knows the world no longer wants what he has, what he loves, what he has devoted his life to building and maintaining. He lies in bed and stares at the photo and smiles. His brain says let it go, sell it. His heart says no. His sense of reason and his brain tell him to do it. His heart says no. Whenever he allows himself to hear it, his heart says no, no, no. All day long, everyday, his heart screams no. (…) he lies in bed and stares at the photo and smiles. His brain says let it go, sell it. His heart says no.His heart says no.”