Get Started
Home Authors Tags

"En este mundo, el mero es más apto para resistir la devoción que para resistir la impiedad"

Herman Melville
Herman Melville Novelist
Translations
🇺🇸 English 🇨🇳 中文 🇪🇸 Español 🇪🇬 العربية 🇫🇷 Français 🇮🇷 فارسی 🇯🇵 日本語
Quote meaning
In this world, it seems that people often find it easier to push back against those who are deeply devoted to a cause or belief than those who don't care about anything at all. Let's break it down.

The core idea here is pretty straightforward: people are more likely to challenge or oppose those who are passionate and committed than those who are indifferent. It's a bit counterintuitive, right? You'd think we'd be more alarmed by those who lack any moral compass, but no—it's the ones who care deeply about something that often get the most resistance.

Historically, this makes a lot of sense. Think about revolutionaries, social activists, and reformers throughout history. Figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and Susan B. Anthony come to mind. They were deeply devoted to their causes—civil rights, independence, women’s suffrage—and faced immense opposition. Their unwavering commitment to their beliefs was what made them targets. People in power or those resistant to change often felt threatened by the passion and dedication these figures showed, leading to resistance and, sometimes, violence.

Now, imagine this in a real-life setting. Picture a small community fighting to preserve a local park from being turned into a commercial development. There’s bound to be that one person leading the charge—organizing petitions, speaking at town meetings, rallying neighbors. Let’s call her Jane. Jane’s dedication to saving the park is palpable. She’s always talking about it, working late into the night, making sure every base is covered.

Some people admire Jane’s dedication. Others, not so much. They might accuse her of being a troublemaker or say she’s just doing it for attention. Maybe they don’t like the inconvenience of the protest or fear the change she represents. Meanwhile, the folks who don’t care either way about the park? They’re likely not stirring up much resistance. They’re just chilling, letting things happen as they may.

So, how can you take this wisdom and use it in your life? First, understand that if you’re passionate about something, you will face pushback. It’s almost a given. Don’t let that discourage you. Instead, see it as a sign that you’re making waves—that your dedication is noticeable and impactful. Second, be prepared. Know that resistance doesn’t mean you’re wrong. It often means that you’re challenging the status quo, and change is hard for people.

Let's put this into a relatable scenario. Imagine you're at work, and you’ve got this brilliant idea to improve the team’s workflow. You’re excited, you’re ready to pitch it, but you know your boss is a bit old-school. You present your idea, and guess what? Your boss isn’t thrilled. In fact, they’re resistant. They question your motivations, maybe even suggest you’re overstepping.

It’s frustrating, right? But here’s the thing—if you weren't devoted, if you didn’t care deeply about improving the workflow, you wouldn’t be facing this kind of resistance. Your boss might just nod and move on if you were apathetic. So take heart in the pushback. It’s a sign you’re on the right track. Keep pushing, keep refining your pitch, and remember that real change comes from persistence and passion.

In summary, the world often resists those who are devoted because passion challenges the status quo. But don’t be deterred. Embrace the resistance as a marker of your commitment's strength and keep striving toward your goals.
Related tags
Beliefs Commitment Contradiction Devotion Faith Human nature Resistance Spirituality World
MORE QUOTES BY Herman Melville
FEATURED QUOTES
Surprise me with another quote
Instagram Icon Facebook Icon X Icon Threads Icon