One of my favorite books is Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini. There are many quotes from that character that I have enjoyed and carried with me over the years. One of my favorites is actually from the sequel (“Captain Blood Returns”) when Captain Peter Blood says, with some measure of disdain, “To gain alluring objects men are always ready to take chances, ready to believe what they hope.”
It is with that quote in mind that I have felt ever since that the word hope can be used in more than one way. And often, it is employed in a fashion that is not very empowering at all. Indeed, I believe this is what the good Captain was referring to in Sabatini’s work.
In this video, I talk a little bit about the difference between an empowering use of the word and one that does not carry much momentum with it. Here’s how to immediately tell the difference between the two:
Now, Captain Blood was a very confident individual. Disarmingly so. It drove the bad guys nuts, how calm, considered and confident he was, no matter what was going on around him. That trait is reflected in another of my favorite passages of the original book, in which Captain Blood is described as being, “Very self-sufficient; adversity had taught him so to be.”
Self-sufficient. Empowered. Prepared. Optimistic. Determined. And unwilling to accept the idea that anything but the best good will eventually be the ultimate result. And all of that coming after considerable adversity (you’ll just have to read the book if you want the rest of the story).
“To gain alluring objects men are always ready to take chances, ready to believe what they hope.” Yep, and that almost never works, because it’s little more than a wish with nothing but negativity propelling it.
Try going forward with desire and reasonable confidence instead. That’s hope.
If you’re looking for something uplifting, try listening to my song “Hope Over Hurt.” You’ll find it on the YouTube channel and you can download the mp3 from iTunes here.
Thanks Kevin. I just love anything that is inspiring and gives me motivation in life.
Hope has a very special meaning for me too.
Hope is one of the spiritual principles we are taught to believe in when we are in recovery from addiction. I would love to believe that I give hope to others with my 8 years of sobriety in recovery from addiction and alcoholism! I share this message on one of my blogs.
It amazing how beautiful life is and it is filled with hope, love and happiness now.
Thank you for a great message.
Lynne, thank you so much for your kind words and congratulations on your 8 years of sobriety! I chose that path as well and put down alcohol for good well more than a year ago and have never been happier. Good for you, and thank you again for your kind words.
Wishing you continued health & happiness.
Kevin
Hope is a precious commodity! I appreciate and find inspiring your perspective, thank you!
Agreed. Many thanks, Mitchell. Be well, – KB
Very interesting and uplifting read! Thank you for this! Having positive action on something gives me hope.
Thank you, Albert. Wishing you well – KB
Hope is a powerful virtue and sometimes when times get tough that is all we have. Thank you for this inspiring post. I will have to add Captain Blood to my reading list!
Thanks, Jeremy! Can’t go wrong with Captain Blood! A fun read.
Best wishes,
Kevin
Thank you for this great post! Hope is one of the foundations I live by. I always seek uplifting messages and yours was today’s! Thanks again. Deb
Thank, you, Deb. That’s really nice to hear.
Best wishes,
Kevin
Kevin, I love your motivational speeches, whether that is your intention for them or not. I’m sure someone such as yourself has read Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. If not, check it out because he talks about how hope is one of the emotions most associated with humans finding massive potential within themselves.
Great post as always.
Hi Ryan,
Thank you for those kind words. I’m grateful. Yes, T&GR is on my shelf, for sure!
Best wishes,
Kevin