Even if there is no hope left, something is due to human nature.
 Honoré de Balzac, Father Goriot (1835). copy citation

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Author Honoré de Balzac
Source Father Goriot
Topic hope human nature
Date 1835
Language English
Reference
Note Translated by Ellen Marriage
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1237/1237-h/1237-h.htm

Context

““Nothing more can be done now; the case is hopeless.” Bianchon and the house surgeon stretched the dying man out again on his loathsome bed. “But the sheets ought to be changed,” added the physician. “Even if there is no hope left, something is due to human nature. I shall come back again, Bianchon,” he said, turning to the medical student. “If he complains again, rub some laudanum over the diaphragm.” He went, and the house surgeon went with him. “Come, Eugene, pluck up heart, my boy,”” source