Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in a lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope

Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in a lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope

Reinhold Niebuhr, a prominent American theologian, ethicist, and public intellectual, is perhaps best known for his concept of "Christian realism" and his belief in the inherent limitations of human nature. Niebuhr's famous quote, "Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in a lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope," encapsulates his understanding of the human condition and the necessity of hope in the face of life's challenges.

Niebuhr believed that human beings are inherently flawed and fallible, prone to selfishness, pride, and sin. He argued that no matter how noble our intentions or how great our efforts, we are ultimately limited by our own weaknesses and limitations. In this sense, Niebuhr recognized the futility of striving for perfection or complete success in any endeavor. However, he also believed that it is precisely in acknowledging our limitations and imperfections that we can find hope and redemption.

According to Niebuhr, hope is not simply wishful thinking or blind optimism, but a deep and abiding trust in the ultimate goodness and justice of the universe. It is the belief that despite our failings and shortcomings, there is a higher power or purpose at work in the world that can guide and sustain us. Hope allows us to persevere in the face of adversity, to continue striving for what is right and just, even when the odds seem insurmountable.

For Niebuhr, hope is not a passive or naive sentiment, but an active and courageous commitment to the pursuit of justice and righteousness. It is the belief that even in the face of overwhelming evil and suffering, there is still the possibility of redemption and renewal. In this sense, hope is not just a comforting illusion, but a powerful force for social and political change.