Married couples who quarrel bitterly every day may really need each other as deeply as those who appear to be desperately in love.
Edward AbbeyRead
I took the other road, all right, but only because it was the easy road for me, the way I wanted to go. If I've encountered some unnecessary resistance that's because most of the traffic is going the other way.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that personal choices may seem easy or difficult based on societal norms and expectations.
Edward Abbey reflects on the nature of choice and resistance in this quote. He implies that while he chose a different path from what is generally accepted or taken, it was primarily because it suited his desires. The 'other road' symbolizes alternative lifestyles or opinions that may meet with resistance simply because they diverge from the mainstream. Abbey's insight invites contemplation about the factors influencing our decisions and the ease or difficulty of following our unique paths amidst societal pressures.
Themes
ChoicesSocietyResistanceIndividualityPath
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech, one might use this quote to encourage people to embrace their true desires despite societal expectations.
More from Edward Abbey
All quotes →I love America because it is a confused, chaotic mess - and I hope we can keep it this way for at least another thousand years. The permissive society is the free society.
Edward AbbeyRead
If it's knowledge and wisdom you want, then seek out the company of those who do real work for an honest purpose.
Edward AbbeyRead
The earth is real. Only a fool, milking his cow, denies the cow's reality.
Edward AbbeyRead
I believe in nothing that I cannot touch, kiss, embrace.... The rest is only hearsay.
Edward AbbeyRead
Why can't we simply borrow what is useful to us from Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, especially Zen, as we borrow from Christianity, science, American Indian traditions and world literature in general, including philosophy, and let the rest go hang? Borrow what we need but rely principally upon our own senses, common sense and daily living experience.
Edward AbbeyRead
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