The thrill of hope
comentada em 21/12/2024 10:10

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When I was younger, I used to say “low expectations equals less disappointment.” I’m grateful that Chesterton contradicts me so poetically here. My attitude back then was negative, sarcastic and, indeed, disappointed by everything. I had already abandoned hope that anyone or thing would live up to my expectations, so why try? It would only bring about unwanted exasperation or frustration, and I didn’t really want to deal with that. Along comes Chesterton to flip me on my head. “No,” says he, “expect nothing.” Nothing? When we feel like the world owes us something or has to meet our expectations, the discrepancy between reality and those expectations will surely disappoint us. But when we abandon entitlement and expect to receive nothing, it is then that we begin to learn that everything is a gift. And who doesn’t like getting gifts?! Change your attitude just a smidge, says Chesterton, and you will not be disappointed.