In everyday language, this quote suggests that hope is a genuine and tangible emotion or belief rather than an unrealistic or unattainable aspiration. It emphasizes the idea that having hope does not mean holding onto dreams that are unlikely to come true but instead signifies holding on to something real and meaningful.
On a deeper level, Dana Reeve’s statement underscores the power of hope in providing direction and resilience during challenging times. Hope serves as an anchor for individuals facing adversity, helping them navigate through difficulties with a sense of purpose and optimism. By asserting that hope is "not pie in the sky," she encourages people to see it as a practical tool rather than an abstract concept detached from reality. This perspective highlights how hope can be instrumental in shaping outcomes and fostering personal growth.
Dana Reeve, the wife of late actor Christopher Reeve who starred as Superman, delivered this quote during her advocacy work for spinal cord injury research after her husband’s accident. Her own experiences with loss and adversity likely informed her profound understanding of the importance of hope in sustaining oneself through hardships.