Ernst Bloch began his Prinzip Hoffnung (‘the principle of hope’) with what is apparently the contrary view: Once upon a time a man went out in order to learn how to be afraid. That was easier to do in times past, when fear was always close at hand. The art of being afraid was something people were terribly proficient in. But now, except where there are real reasons for fear, a more appropriate feeling is expected of us. The important thing now is to learn how to hope. The labour of hope never gives