Of the myriads of happy human emotions, from contentment to gratitude, there is one that is consistently underrated: hope. Considering some recent events, we could all use a little more hope in our lives.

A new study from the University of Missouri is shaking up our understanding of hope. Far from being just wishful thinking, hope adds meaning, direction, and depth to our lives. Among all the emotions studied, hope was the one that consistently correlated with a deeper sense of life’s meaning. And that sense of meaning isn’t just philosophical—it has tangible benefits, like stronger relationships, better health, higher earnings, and improved resilience.

In contrast, happiness applies to how we feel in the moment. But there are no guarantees that today’s happiness survives until tomorrow.

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