This quote by Patricia Briggs, “I was too busy fighting the river to worry about adjusting my beliefs in accordance to reality,” uses the metaphor of “fighting the river” to symbolize resistance to change or the struggle against the natural flow of life. The river stands for the reality or the truth of life, which is always flowing and changing. When we resist this flow, we are essentially fighting against the river, which can be exhausting and futile.
The latter part of the quote, “to worry about adjusting my beliefs in accordance to reality,” suggests that the speaker is so engrossed in their struggle, they are not even considering the possibility of changing their beliefs or perceptions to align with the reality. This reflects a state of denial or ignorance, where one is so caught up in their own beliefs and prejudices, they fail to see or accept the truth.
In today’s world, this quote can be applied to numerous situations. For instance, in the context of personal development, it can refer to the resistance we often exhibit towards self-improvement. We may hold onto certain beliefs about ourselves, even when they are not beneficial or accurate. Instead of adjusting these beliefs to match our actual potential and capabilities, we might fight against the reality, resisting change and growth.
Similarly, in a broader societal context, this quote can be relevant to discussions about social or political change. Often, societies or individuals resist change, clinging to old beliefs or systems, even when they are clearly not working or are unjust. This resistance can be due to fear, ignorance, or a simple reluctance to step out of comfort zones.
Overall, this quote encourages us to stop fighting against the ‘river’ of reality and instead adjust our beliefs to align with it. It emphasizes the importance of being open to change, accepting reality, and adapting our beliefs accordingly.
