Hope — what is it and do we need it?

I read a New York Times article dated January 1st, 2026 written by Lauren Jackson, who is the host of Believing, a weekly newsletter (for New York Times subscribers) about how people live religion and spirituality now. I've summarized some of the most helpful points of her article below.

Optimism is rooted in the belief that things will improve in the future, but hope goes a step further, involving the conviction that we can actively contribute to making that better future possible. According to Chan Hellman, director of The Hope Research Center at the University of Oklahoma, hope is a powerful factor in overall well-being, influencing both physical health — such as strengthening the immune system and aiding recovery — and, interestingly, even physical growth.

Building hope requires three components, as explained by Zaki: first, the ability to imagine a brighter future for oneself or society; second, the drive or determination to pursue this vision; and third, the capacity to outline the steps needed to get there.

There are practical strategies to become more hopeful. Setting clear, achievable goals and mapping out concrete plans to reach them can make a big difference, especially when focusing on short-term objectives rather than distant, vague ambitions. Writing these goals down can help clarify the pathway forward.

Another helpful approach is to shift from cynicism — expecting the worst — to skepticism, which means keeping an open mind about outcomes without making negative assumptions. Improving hopefulness can also be supported by speaking positively about others, as fostering trust can counteract cynicism.

Research shows that people tend to talk more about negative actions than positive ones, so making an effort to highlight and share the good things others do — such as practicing "positive gossip" — can help. For example, sharing stories of kind acts each day can encourage a focus on positive experiences and enhance hope, as people become more mindful of the good around them.