From the love of hope to hope in love : hope in family life

Abstract:

Since the teachings of St. Thomas, hope as a passion that drives us toward good and away from future evil has taken on fundamental importance in education, especially in the task of parents. This hope presupposes a love of self that guides the person toward their own good. But, in turn, that original love is preceded by another hope: trust in the help of another. The article analyzes the importance of this second form of hope in the education of children, especially those who did not experience being loved in childhood. In the face of structural hopelessness, hope in “the power of another” strengthens their self-esteem, leads them to love, and ultimately guides them to their ultimate good, which culminates in God, the foundation of all education.

Keywords:

Thomas Aquinas, hope, love, education, family