In a world grappling with crises like wars and climate change, historian Philipp Blom introduces the concept of ‘clever hope’ in his latest book. He distinguishes this from blind optimism, suggesting that true hope involves facing difficult realities while envisioning a possibility for improvement. Blom emphasizes the importance of action in fostering change, advocating for a mindset focused on making tangible progress despite challenges. He argues that, unlike optimism, hope is rooted in realism and necessity, urging individuals to contribute to a better future directly rather than waiting for change to happen.