Hope cannot be said to exist, nor can it be said not to exist. It is just like roads across the earth. For actually the earth had no roads to begin with, but when many men pass one way, a road is made.

Lu Xun’s quote, "Hope cannot be said to exist, nor can it be said not to exist. It is just like roads across the earth. For actually the earth had no roads to begin with, but when many men pass one way, a road is made," reflects his view of hope as something that emerges through collective human action rather than something inherently existing in the world. Just as roads do not exist naturally but are created by people walking the same path repeatedly, hope is something that develops over time, shaped by the collective efforts and beliefs of individuals.

The comparison between hope and roads suggests that hope is not a fixed, predetermined entity but a dynamic force that grows and takes shape through human actions and persistence. Hope arises when people come together and strive toward a common goal, even if that goal is not immediately visible or achievable. Like a road, hope becomes more defined and concrete as people continue to believe in and work toward a better future.

This metaphor emphasizes the power of collective action. Just as roads are the result of many people walking in the same direction, hope is the result of shared aspirations and efforts. It implies that even in difficult or uncertain times, the act of collectively pursuing something meaningful can create the foundation for hope, allowing it to gradually materialize into something that can guide future actions.

Originating from Lu Xun, a prominent Chinese writer known for his works in the early 20th century, the quote reflects his exploration of social change and the complexities of human existence. Lu Xun often examined the tension between realism and idealism, and this quote encapsulates his belief that hope is not simply a passive feeling but a construct built through the actions and desires of individuals in society. His writing often challenged traditional views and encouraged new ways of thinking, particularly about progress and human potential.