From Aeschylus Prometheus Bound:

PROMETHEUS: I caused mortals to cease foreseeing their doom.
CHORUS: Of what sort was the cure that you found for this affliction?
PROMETHEUS: I caused blind hopes to dwell within their breasts.
CHORUS: A great benefit was this you gave to mortals.
PROMETHEUS: In addition, I gave them fire.

So, don't sneer at false hope; it was a greater gift than fire. (I can think of greater gifts, though. The salad spinner, for example.)