How Do Atheists Find Hope?
Medical professionals in the United States are quite religious compared to other science-heavy professions. About 75% of doctors and around 80-90% of nurses report religious or spiritual belief. For comparison, about 30% of engineers report religious or spiritual belief. Yet, healthcare professionals will almost certainly serve people who are non-spiritual and/or atheist. It may be beneficial to have an understanding of how atheists find meaning and hope in life.
I have read several articles and discussion threads in which people who identify as atheist share their thoughts on the topic of hope. I have summarized some of the common ideas here. I will link to a couple articles for further reading. Of course, we must always remember that each person is unique and may or may not fit into any category.
Many atheists don't look at hope the same way most religious people do. Christians, for example, tend to explain hope as certainty about promises described in the Bible. Many atheists embrace secular frameworks like Stoic philosophy which tends to view hope with suspicion. They may see hope as overly optimistic and coupled with fear. What matters here is how one defines hope. If it is defined as an ‘expectation of positive outcomes’ than there is a danger of great disappointment if the desired outcome does not occur, especially on the anticipated schedule.
Atheists tend to be realists and have grown comfortable with their mortality and their worldview. They tend to prefer to face challenges head on with all the facts and accept things as they come. They prefer to depend on themselves and know outcomes are often impacted by their own actions.
Many may find hope and resilience in their own ability to overcome or in past accomplishments remembering they have overcome before. Many find hope and purpose in life through human connection and relationships. Others may find hope in the technological or social progress of humanity. Many find hope and meaning in social or environmental causes. Lastly, some may find hope and meaning in their legacy, especially toward end of life.
Others may focus on different thoughts entirely while viewing hope as futile. Some may choose to emphasize serenity, appreciation, or gratitude. They may focus on how they can make the world a better place in the near future, or simply how they can help those around them have a better day. In this sense, they may choose to live in the moment rather than contemplate the future.
Atheists rarely reject all forms of positive expectation. They accept "wishing" or "preferring" certain outcomes—what they call preferred indifference—as long as one remains prepared for any result. For example, they may wish for a friend’s recovery but not be devastated if it doesn’t happen. The key is not tying one’s virtue or happiness to external events. Instead, the focus is on inner resolve, preparation, action, and acceptance—working diligently while remaining emotionally free from the outcome.
One Reddit comment captures this Stoic approach well. "The important question is “why hope?”. What problem are you solving with hope? Can you solve it without? ...You can be confident the Earth will continue spinning and what is coming to pass shall pass, so you need only decide what you can do and do it at the appropriate moment. Let the chips fall wherever they may."
Healthcare professionals should understand that for atheists, hope and meaning are not dependent on religious or spiritual beliefs. Yet, they can find hope and meaning in sources that are equally as powerful and sustaining. Healthcare professionals should be cautious of assuming atheists lack hope or meaning. Instead, they can engage in non-judgmental exploration with patients about their values and sources of strength and meaning.
By David F. Garner OTR/L, AC
Further reading:
Hope against hope | New Humanist
What Do Atheists Hope For? - Big Think
I have read several articles and discussion threads in which people who identify as atheist share their thoughts on the topic of hope. I have summarized some of the common ideas here. I will link to a couple articles for further reading. Of course, we must always remember that each person is unique and may or may not fit into any category.
Many atheists don't look at hope the same way most religious people do. Christians, for example, tend to explain hope as certainty about promises described in the Bible. Many atheists embrace secular frameworks like Stoic philosophy which tends to view hope with suspicion. They may see hope as overly optimistic and coupled with fear. What matters here is how one defines hope. If it is defined as an ‘expectation of positive outcomes’ than there is a danger of great disappointment if the desired outcome does not occur, especially on the anticipated schedule.
Atheists tend to be realists and have grown comfortable with their mortality and their worldview. They tend to prefer to face challenges head on with all the facts and accept things as they come. They prefer to depend on themselves and know outcomes are often impacted by their own actions.
Many may find hope and resilience in their own ability to overcome or in past accomplishments remembering they have overcome before. Many find hope and purpose in life through human connection and relationships. Others may find hope in the technological or social progress of humanity. Many find hope and meaning in social or environmental causes. Lastly, some may find hope and meaning in their legacy, especially toward end of life.
Others may focus on different thoughts entirely while viewing hope as futile. Some may choose to emphasize serenity, appreciation, or gratitude. They may focus on how they can make the world a better place in the near future, or simply how they can help those around them have a better day. In this sense, they may choose to live in the moment rather than contemplate the future.
Atheists rarely reject all forms of positive expectation. They accept "wishing" or "preferring" certain outcomes—what they call preferred indifference—as long as one remains prepared for any result. For example, they may wish for a friend’s recovery but not be devastated if it doesn’t happen. The key is not tying one’s virtue or happiness to external events. Instead, the focus is on inner resolve, preparation, action, and acceptance—working diligently while remaining emotionally free from the outcome.
One Reddit comment captures this Stoic approach well. "The important question is “why hope?”. What problem are you solving with hope? Can you solve it without? ...You can be confident the Earth will continue spinning and what is coming to pass shall pass, so you need only decide what you can do and do it at the appropriate moment. Let the chips fall wherever they may."
Healthcare professionals should understand that for atheists, hope and meaning are not dependent on religious or spiritual beliefs. Yet, they can find hope and meaning in sources that are equally as powerful and sustaining. Healthcare professionals should be cautious of assuming atheists lack hope or meaning. Instead, they can engage in non-judgmental exploration with patients about their values and sources of strength and meaning.
By David F. Garner OTR/L, AC
Further reading:
Hope against hope | New Humanist
What Do Atheists Hope For? - Big Think
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