I think this phrase may have a lot more to it than people give it credit for.
What are your ideas on "The Path of Least Resistance" and what does it mean to you?
2006-12-06 12:21:41 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
I think most people look down on taking the path of least resistance because it's thought to be a lazy choice. However, water takes the path of least resistance. Look at all the changes water has made by doing this. Water carved out most of the grand canyon. Water causes damns to burst. Water floods peoples homes and causes entire communities to relocate. Water is powerful and yet it takes the path of least resistance. Perhaps taking the path of least resistance is actually one of the most effective ways to cause change.
2006-12-06 12:29:20 · answer #1 · answered by Bethe W 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Water takes the path of least resistance as it is pulled downhill by gravity. No one would suggest that this is the "wrong" path, it is just the path that is determined by the laws of nature. Because water always takes the same least resistant course, it carves out its path. You could say that the grand canyon is a result of eons of water traveling along the path of least resistance. Yet, when the concept is applied to human behaviour, it somehow connotes laziness or lack of ambition. The least resistant path does not have to be an easy one. Is there merit in struggling, just for the sake of the struggle? If two paths lead us to the same place, is it not wiser to take the least resistant way? I'm not sure, but I do think that we could all benefit from being more like water. We're mostly made of it, after all - maybe we shouldn't be fighting our basic essence.
2006-12-06 20:42:16 · answer #2 · answered by senlin 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This Phrase is a misconception ... Many will say that the path of crime is of least resistance , but the truth is if you look at it , it takes a lot of energy to commit the crime , albeit if you stay home and do nothing ... nothing bad happens, one is good, and it also is a path of least resistance , so both ways you look at it, is of least resistance, if you look at it in that context , but you can take a path of least resistance when an opportunity opens to you in every day life and you follow it as in business venture or a new relation , you take them and good comes to you , basically don't burn bridges down .
2006-12-06 20:35:33 · answer #3 · answered by young old man 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If more people took this path when faced with diverisity or hardship, their problems would not look quite so bad. As humans, sometimes we see this path as to easy. We put too much thought into things and analyze our every option, when the answer was right in front of us the whole time. But we are drawn to resistance. Why is that? Is it our need for drama? Or is it because we don't allow ourselves to accept the simplicity of the path? Who knows... There is a lot of validity in this phrase, if your willing to open your mind and accept it.
2006-12-06 20:43:34 · answer #4 · answered by frigidx 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually Robert Fritz wrote a book with this title, which pretty much had to do with creating one's life, or life work, in much the same way an artist creates a work of art, or a musician a composition. In doing so, one is able to create what one truly wants and bring more quality into experiences of life.
I remember in the beginning of the book, he talks about how the streets of Boston, winding, narrow and difficult to navigate, began as cow paths. So the streets took the path of least resistance! - to the dismay of drivers in their cars trying to get somewhere in downtown Boston.
2006-12-06 20:40:41 · answer #5 · answered by elizamidd 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lao Tzu once said, "The bright path seems dim." He at this point was speaking of the path of least resistance. To him, the path of least resistance was always the path that adhered to your own nature. Therefore if it is within my nature to climb a mountain, that for me is the path of least resistance. Following this path has been quite fulfilling to me.
2006-12-07 11:31:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The path of least resistance leads you to a degree from DeVry or Univ. of Phoenix - and a job getting coffee and doing filing for people with real degrees!
2006-12-06 20:28:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The path that is more difficult is usually more rewarding, and the path of least resistance is for those with little ambition.
2006-12-06 20:27:44 · answer #8 · answered by Phrosty 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yup
take the path with heart if you can, otherwise the path of least resistance makes for a smooth ride
2006-12-06 20:24:46 · answer #9 · answered by kurticus1024 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Always ask yourself: 'What is the most loving thing I can do for myself' in any given situation. The easiest way is not always the way that is best for the individual.
2006-12-06 21:11:48 · answer #10 · answered by yojoewanna 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋