This quote by James Freeman Clarke recommends that atheism does not provide a sense of hope or optimism for the future. It indicates that those who do not think in a greater power or a divine being lack a sense of function or direction in life. This could be translated as a criticism of atheism, as it indicates that those who do not think in a higher power are not able to discover significance or hope in life. On the other hand, it could also be interpreted as a tip that those who do not think in a greater power needs to still make every effort to discover hope and significance in life, even if it is not provided by a greater power. Ultimately, this quote functions as a pointer that everybody need to make every effort to discover hope and meaning in life, despite their beliefs.
"Courage is sometimes frail as hope is frail: a fragile shoot between two stones that grows brave toward the sun though warmth and brightness fail, striving and faith the only strength it knows"