You have to have hope. It's irresponsible to give false hope, which I think a lot of playwrights are guilty of. But I also think it's irresponsible to simply be a nihilist, which quite a lot of playwrights, especially playwrights younger than me, have become guilty of.

The quote "You have to have hope. It's irresponsible to give false hope, which I think a lot of playwrights are guilty of. But I also think it's irresponsible to simply be a nihilist, which quite a lot of playwrights, especially playwrights younger than me, have become guilty of" by Tony Kushner addresses the delicate balance between hope and realism in art, particularly in theater. Kushner, best known for his play Angels in America, often explores themes of political and social justice, but in this quote, he reflects on the responsibility of playwrights to portray life in a way that offers meaning without deluding the audience with false hope or descending into nihilism.

The origin of this quote comes from Kushner’s own perspective on writing for the stage. He believes that hope is an essential element of the human experience, and it is crucial for playwrights to incorporate it into their work, but in a way that remains honest and does not mislead the audience. False hope—promising outcomes that are unrealistic or unattainable—can be just as damaging as a complete lack of hope. Kushner critiques younger playwrights, who may lean too heavily into nihilism, seeing the world as devoid of meaning or redemption, which can leave audiences feeling despondent and powerless.

Kushner’s stance advocates for a balance between hope and realism. While he acknowledges the tendency of some playwrights to offer overly optimistic narratives that may not resonate with the audience’s lived experiences, he also cautions against the nihilistic trend that has emerged, where works seem to suggest that life is without purpose or possibility of change. For Kushner, art should reflect both the complexity of the world and the potential for improvement or redemption, even in the face of adversity.

Ultimately, this quote speaks to the broader responsibility of artists to engage with their audiences in a meaningful way. Hope in art does not mean ignoring suffering or struggle, but rather presenting a path through it, while avoiding the extremes of unrealistic optimism and despair. Kushner believes that the true power of art lies in its ability to inspire change and thought, and that balance is key to achieving that goal.