The Case for God, first broadcast on BBC1, 6 September 2010
“The way to despair is to refuse to have any kind of experience.”
Source: Earthsea Books, The Farthest Shore (1972), Chapter 8, "The Children of the Open Sea" (Ged)
“I will indulge my sorrows, and give way
To all the pangs and fury of despair.”
Act IV, scene iii.
Cato, A Tragedy (1713)
“Boredom is the root of all evil - the despairing refusal to be oneself.”
“I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.”
1990s, Long Walk to Freedom (1995)
Context: I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.
Source: The Chronicles of Prydain (1964–1968), Book I: The Book of Three (1964), Chapter 13
“Laughter separates us from despair and gives us a chance at love.”
During a dinner discussion with Kristen Bell and Jean Reno. Filmed for a week of shows in Paris, France.
2011-08-05 broadcast
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (2005–2014)
