The quote "When hope is gone, time is punishment" from Mitch Albom's book "The Time Keeper" highlights the idea that the absence of hope can make the experience of time feel unbearable. When individuals face despair or hopelessness, the passing of time often becomes a source of suffering rather than relief. This reflects how our emotional state can influence our perception of time, suggesting that hope is essential for enduring difficult moments.

The notion that time can serve as a form of punishment in times of hopelessness emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope in our lives. It serves as a reminder that, in challenging situations, fostering a sense of hope can ease our emotional burdens. By nurturing hope, we can transform our experience of time from one of pain to one of potential and possibility, illustrating the profound connection between our mental state and our perception of time.