The introductory chapter lays the groundwork for exploring hope and futurity across Antiquity, Byzantium, the Middle Ages, and the Early Modern world. Hope is pivotal in shaping how individuals and communities envision the future and negotiate aspirations. As a goal-oriented state of mind, it is crucial for managing uncertainties, alleviating despair, and imbuing life with meaning. This chapter situates the volume within the broader context of emotions and states of mind studies, focusing on hope. It introduces key methodological concepts employed throughout the volume, including hope and hopefulness, cultural scripts, emotional communities, and communities of experience.