Hope to undo what's been done is naive or delusional. "Abandon hope you who enter here" means to me what was done is done. There is no unringing the bell. Hope regarding action not yet done and regarding consequences that are wanted is a vision of what can be, and that can motivate us to act in a way to achieve what is wanted. There have been times I had little faith in my ability to accomplish something, but I had enough faith in myself and others and enough skepticism about my doubts to make an effort, and achieved positive results. What helps me is reminding myself that much more is possible than what I think. What helps me is doubting my doubt. What helps me is increased seeing what is, getting more information and evidence, less seeing my fears and negative assumptions, and increased being positive.
On Jan 9, 2026 David Doane wrote :