Hope springs eternal in the human breast

Proverbial Meaning: People will often never give up hope, despite extreme adversity.

Literal Origins: It is human nature to hope and believe a situation will improve, no matter how bad things get. The proverb is a quote from Pope, a famous English poet - the verse continues thusly: "Man never is, but always to be, blest".

Common Usage: This proverb is extremely well known in its shortened for, "Hope springs eternal" and quoted in times of adversity, often by newspapers and magazines.