The “HOPE” Experiment
During a brutal study at Harvard in the 1950s, Dr. Curt Richter placed rats in a pool of water to test how long they could tread water. On average they’d give up and sink after 15 minutes.
But right before they gave up due to exhaustion, the researchers would pluck them out, dry them off, let them rest for a few minutes – and put them back in for a second round.
In this second try – how long do you think they lasted?
Remember – they had just swam until failure only a few short minutes ago… How long do you think? Another 15 minutes? 10 minutes? 5 minutes?
No!
60 hours!
That’s not an error. That’s right! 60 hours of swimming.
The conclusion drawn was that since the rats BELIEVED that they would eventually be rescued, they could push their bodies way past what they previously thought impossible.
I will leave you with this thought:
If hope can cause exhausted rats to swim for that long, what could a belief in yourself and your abilities, do for you. Everything will be fine. Keep the hope alive and keep fighting.
The above article was sent by my friend Sreedhar on our batch’s WhatsApp group. The Harvard University Hope Experiment.
I also read that in 1784, Benjamin Franklin, went to France to investigate the powers of Mesmerism. He apparently noted in his final report that, “Hope is an essential constituent of human life.” Well, he was spot on.
The “London Patient”, Cured of H.I.V – Do read this article. Mr. Castillejo not only beat back the dreaded H.I.V but also cancer !!! That’s what hope and optimism can do.
Hope is indeed a Miracle Drug
I read this article on Psychology Today, The health benefits of Hope and the summary reads as follows –
- Hope can reduce physical pain
- Hope may boost circulation and respiration
- Optimism improves cardiovascular health
I don’t think we need any more convincing. Go on, switch off the social media and news articles that spread negativity and panic. Be hopeful of a better tomorrow and remain optimistic – you have 99% chance of making it through this pandemic ! Get vaccinated when you can and focus on building your immunity.
See you all on the other side of the pandemic. Keep the hope alive.
