04. Hope in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

"Get up, come on. You’re human. You keep hope against the worst of odds."

Is hope a fundamentally human act? Join Matt and James as they trace the line between optimism and despair across the Marvel Cinematic Universe from Avengers: Endgame to Hawkeye, and into the multiverse with 'What If...?' 

"I believe in this universe as in every other, hope never dies… as long as someone keeps their good eye on the bigger picture.

In our segment, ‘Mindful Moments in the MCU’, we make use of the ancient monastic practice of florilegia.  You can find out more about this practice at:  what is florilegia?, and discover the ‘Harry Potter and the Sacred Text’ podcast that inspired this segment here: https://www.harrypottersacredtext.com/

“My point is that life on earth can take care of itself. ... If we are gone tomorrow, the earth will not miss us." - Ian Malcolm (Jurassic Park: the Novel, 1991)

Can taking an evolutionary perspective help us find unexpected resilience in the face of environmental catastrophe? Ian Malcolm might say so!  While Marvel movies and shows are our main focus, we are open to exploring other works too.

If you would like to explore the issues raised by this episode further, why not read 'Reasons to Stay Alive' by Matt Haig (2015)? In this inspiring book, Haig creates hope for everyone from the darkest times of his life. This recommendation comes with a content warning for suicide and depression, however those struggling with these issues, may find it very helpful indeed.

Frustrated with humanity?  'Humankind: a Hopeful History' by Rutger Bregman may change your mind! In this well-researched and optimistic non-fiction book, Bregman makes the case for the basic goodness of human nature. It's easy to get into, but difficult to put down. We highly recommend it to all.

"Don't give me hope."

Marvel Moments is a Human Happening podcast. All excerpts from movies and TV shows are copyright Marvel Entertainment and are used here for the purposes of criticism, review and quotation.  Special thanks go to David Shaw for the creation of our epic theme tune, ‘The Moment Has Come’, To AJ The Soundest Guy who edited the show, to Ellagrace who tireless proofreads and corrects our transcripts, to Jacob who assisted in production, and to Sophie whose help was invaluable. Our thanks also go out to Begonya, Katherine, and Nick, for their thought-provoking messages, and to the Marvel Moments Facebook group for all their support and encouragement. And finally a massive thanks to you, our listeners! If you enjoy what you’re hearing, please do hit like, subscribe, and or follow and all the buttons of that nature, and if you’re listening on Apple podcasts please do leave us 5 stars and a review.  It really does make all the difference.

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