That hope is little more than the premonition of regret. This is the first lesson of history

That hope is little more than the premonition of regret. This is the first lesson of history

In the world of R. Scott Bakker's novels, hope is often portrayed as a fleeting and illusory concept, one that ultimately leads to disappointment and regret. Bakker's works, particularly his Second Apocalypse series, delve deep into the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of blind optimism.

The quote "That hope is little more than the premonition of regret. This is the first lesson of history" encapsulates Bakker's bleak view of hope. In his novels, characters often cling to hope in the face of overwhelming odds, only to be met with despair and tragedy. The idea that hope is merely a premonition of regret suggests that it is a false promise, a fleeting glimmer of optimism that ultimately leads to disappointment.

Throughout Bakker's works, history is portrayed as a cycle of violence and suffering, with hope serving as a temporary respite from the inevitable march towards destruction. The first lesson of history, according to Bakker, is that hope is ultimately futile in the face of the harsh realities of the world.