Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
WHAT distinguishes man from other animals? Is it the size of our brains? No, elephants and blue whales have much larger brains.
Is it our ability as ruthless hunters with weapons of mass destruction? Yes. A little bit.
The answer probably varies as you examine it from a biological or philosophical standpoint, but, from my limited life experience of 18 years: it is our ability to hope.
When we are faced with incredible adversities, it is our singular ability to hope for a better future that keeps us going. It is the fire that fuels our lives, kindling our survival instincts.
However, it is also what can destroy us. We may prepare for the worst, but hold out hope for the best case scenario. When reality strikes, it is that hope that we desperately latch on to. It deludes us, and becomes our coping mechanism to deny real life.
Hope can empower progress and revolutionise the world. It can also destroy us all.
