The temptation of hope

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Utopian thinking and imagination are often viewed as obsolete in today’s world, where global capitalism, environmental destruction, and terrorism dominate. The collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe has further dimmed hopes for traditional social utopias, leading many to believe that utopian visions are no longer viable. This cultural pessimism raises the question of whether it is time to abandon utopian thinking altogether. However, "The Temptation of Hope" seeks to revive the power of utopian imagination, drawing inspiration from Bloch’s concept of an “encyclopedia of hope” that enriches all aspects of life. Hope is presented as an intrinsic human trait, one that has persisted throughout history despite attempts to suppress it. The title may suggest modesty, yet it underscores the necessity for utopian thought in our current era. While hope does not guarantee certainty, it opens pathways to explore possibilities and challenge the status quo. Utopian thinking serves as a critique of existing social structures and a thought experiment for envisioning alternatives. This volume reflects on discussions from the 43rd Wisconsin Workshop, honoring Jost Hermand’s contributions and examining the evolution of utopian discourse from Thomas More to Ernst Bloch and beyond.