The reason why many people grow despondent, is often because they have lost a sense of wonder. Life has become "old hat," "routine," "unexciting" or "uneventful."

It might help to focus our attention on the wonders of the world around us. Science should waken us to the wonderful variety in nature, where even the need to reproduce can lead to an amazing display of colour, ingenuity, or so-called devious behaviour. When you know why the wind blows, and why a flower has a scent, and why downward pointing hairs line some flowers it will be far more difficult not to see a pattern and a purpose to life.

Look at your own body and wonder at its intricate design, its ability to fight disease. Think of the delicate balance of emotions, and their ability to do so much good - and so much evil. You will be too busy with life to easily allow the cloud of doubt to settle over you.

When you are next tempted to despondency, open your eyes.