I don't believe in hope. I believe in action, if I'm an apostle of anything: There are always going to be complications, but to a large degree, everything is in your hands.

The quote "I don't believe in hope. I believe in action, if I'm an apostle of anything: There are always going to be complications, but to a large degree, everything is in your hands" by Kerry James Marshall reflects the artist's belief in self-determination and the power of action over passive waiting for external circumstances to change. Marshall, a renowned American painter, is known for his works that address issues of identity, race, and history. In this quote, he expresses skepticism towards relying on hope as a solution, suggesting instead that agency and active engagement are what truly shape outcomes in life.

The origin of this quote comes from Marshall's personal philosophy, which is grounded in a sense of empowerment and responsibility. As an artist, he has consistently conveyed that social and personal change require deliberate action rather than passive expectation. Marshall’s belief in action stems from his experiences and his focus on creating art that challenges societal norms and raises awareness of historical injustices. His assertion that "everything is in your hands" emphasizes the importance of taking control and making decisions that directly impact one's future.

Marshall acknowledges that complications are inevitable in life, yet he stresses that the way to navigate them is through conscious, purposeful action rather than relying on abstract ideals like hope. This reflects a realistic approach to life's challenges, where individual efforts and decisions play a central role in shaping outcomes. By dismissing hope as passive, he instead advocates for a mindset rooted in taking initiative and facing obstacles head-on.

Ultimately, Marshall’s statement encourages a philosophy of empowerment—one that emphasizes the importance of personal action and responsibility over waiting for circumstances to align. His words are a call to take charge of one’s destiny and engage in meaningful work, recognizing that while challenges are part of life, they can be overcome through deliberate and sustained effort.