--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In this world, the only easy path is the…" description: "\"“In this world, the only easy path is the course of least resistance. This is the path always taken by a stream of water as it seeks lower and lower gr..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b9b/gary-henry-50092_effort_in-this-world-the-only-easy-path-is-the_2314575.jpg" --- # In this world, the only easy path is the course of least… ![“In this world, the only easy path is the course of least resistance. This is the path always taken by a stream of water as it seeks lower and lower ground. It will never go over an obstacle, and even when it has to go around one, water will always find the easiest way around, the way that requires…” quote by Gary Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b9b/gary-henry-50092_effort_in-this-world-the-only-easy-path-is-the_2314575.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b9b/gary-henry-50092_effort_in-this-world-the-only-easy-path-is-the_2314575.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b9b/gary-henry-50092_effort_in-this-world-the-only-easy-path-is-the_2314575.jpg) > ““In this world, the only easy path is the course of least resistance. This is the path always taken by a stream of water as it seeks lower and lower ground. It will never go over an obstacle, and even when it has to go around one, water will always find the easiest way around, the way that requires as little work as possible. This, you have have noticed, is what makes rivers crooked, and it makes men and women crooked too. The easy path never goes anywhere but downward, and spiritually, that is not the direction we want to go. Worthwhile destinations always take extra effort.”” [Gary Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-henry/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Choosing the path of least resistance leads to stagnation; effortful routes foster growth and integrity. **In simple terms:** Easy choices cause decline; hard work leads upward. Key Takeaway Seek challenges for growth. Themes growth integrity effort Mood motivational reflective Type self‑help philosophical When to use this quote - career advancement - personal development - spiritual practice - creative projects Key Concepts psychology philosophy behavioral economics Questions to Reflect On - What obstacles can you embrace today? - How do you balance effort with wellbeing? A Different Perspective May underestimate need for rest and balance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Easy Path](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/easy-path-497380/) [Effort](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/effort/) [Extra effort](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/extra-effort/) [Journey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/journey/) [Men and women](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men-and-women/) [Path](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/path/) [Path Goes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/path-goes-3179243/) [Path Taken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/path-taken-1127728/) [Resistance Path](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/resistance-path-5359233/) [River](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/river/) ## Related quotes > [The path of least resistance is the path of the loser.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/h-g-wells/the-path-of-least-resistance-is-the-path-of-the-loser/) [H. G. Wells](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/h-g-wells/) > [“Certainly it reminds me very much of Bilbo in the last years, before he went away. He used often to say there was only…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-r-r-tolkien/certainly-it-reminds-me-very-much-of-bilbo-in-the-last-years-before/) [J.R.R. Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-r-r-tolkien/) > [“For success, don't take the path of least resistance. Take the path of most persistence.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michele-jennae/for-success-don-t-take-the-path-of-least-resistance-take-the-path-of/) [Michele Jennae](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michele-jennae/) > [After it's finished, sometimes I can trace a path that goes back to the possible source of inspiration.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tracy-chapman/after-it-s-finished-sometimes-i-can-trace-a-path-that-goes-back-to/) [Tracy Chapman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tracy-chapman/) > [For me, I love the path that I have taken on. I take all of my experiences; I eliminate all of the bad and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephon-marbury/for-me-i-love-the-path-that-i-have-taken-on-i-take-all-of-my/) [Stephon Marbury](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephon-marbury/) > [“One whose path has taken a new turn is often initially disoriented. But as time passes, and the path continues steadily in its new…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/timothy-zahn-star-wars-thrawn/one-whose-path-has-taken-a-new-turn-is-often-initially-disoriented/) [Timothy Zahn, Star Wars: Thrawn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/timothy-zahn-star-wars-thrawn/) > [Every journey conceals another journey within its lines: the path not taken and the forgotten angle.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeanette-winterson/every-journey-conceals-another-journey-within-its-lines-the-path-not/) [Jeanette Winterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeanette-winterson/) > [The path we're on has taken the USA to the brink of bankruptcy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-cruz/the-path-we-re-on-has-taken-the-usa-to-the-brink-of-bankruptcy/) [Ted Cruz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-cruz/) > [Hakomi is a path taken by those who work to go beyond the half remembered hurts and failed beliefs that linger unexamined in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ron-kurtz/hakomi-is-a-path-taken-by-those-who-work-to-go-beyond-the-half/) [Ron Kurtz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ron-kurtz/) > [No matter how happy anyone is with their choices, I believe it's human nature to wonder about the path not taken.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jen-lancaster/no-matter-how-happy-anyone-is-with-their-choices-i-believe-it-s-human/) [Jen Lancaster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jen-lancaster/) > [I didn't necessarily set out to be in musical theater, but that's where my path has taken me, and I've been loving and enjoying…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-degarmo/i-didn-t-necessarily-set-out-to-be-in-musical-theater-but-that-s/) [Diana DeGarmo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-degarmo/) > [“The price we pay is the path not taken, that which we give up.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-shinoda-bolen/the-price-we-pay-is-the-path-not-taken-that-which-we-give-up/) [Jean Shinoda Bolen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-shinoda-bolen/) > [“The only thing we'll get from trying to figure out where another path would have taken us are questions there are no answers to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mia-sheridan/the-only-thing-we-ll-get-from-trying-to-figure-out-where-another-path/) [Mia Sheridan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mia-sheridan/) > [“A Map Will Show the Path Others Have Already Taken”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dustin-heiner/a-map-will-show-the-path-others-have-already-taken/) [Dustin Heiner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dustin-heiner/) > [I think all of us, looking back on our careers and our lives, there'll probably be a "road not taken" that we'll regret and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/liz-garbus/i-think-all-of-us-looking-back-on-our-careers-and-our-lives-there-ll/) [Liz Garbus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/liz-garbus/) ## More by Gary Henry > [“When we pillow our heads at night, we need to have things that give us peace. Many such things are available, but one of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-henry/when-we-pillow-our-heads-at-night-we-need-to-have-things-that-give-us/) [Gary Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-henry/) > [“James Allen said it well: “Whatever your present environment may be, you will fall, remain, or rise with your thoughts, your vision, your ideal.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-henry/james-allen-said-it-well-whatever-your-present-environment-may-be-you/) [Gary Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-henry/) > [“If the roots are deep, have no fear that the wind will uproot the tree. CHINESE PROVERB”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-henry/if-the-roots-are-deep-have-no-fear-that-the-wind-will-uproot-the-tree/) [Gary Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-henry/) > [“never to use the expression “mere words.” Words are never “mere.” They are strong and beautiful. 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When eating, eat.” Being fully “present” in each moment is a discipline that can save our sanity.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-henry/when-walking-walk-when-eating-eat-being-fully-present-in-each-moment/) [Gary Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-henry/) [Explore all 7 Gary Henry quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-henry/) ## More Effort quotes > [I value the experiences that come with life too much to sit by and not put my full effort into them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-miller/i-value-the-experiences-that-come-with-life-too-much-to-sit-by-and/) [Jim Miller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-miller/) > [An enlightened awareness is within each one of us, right at this moment. This enlightened awareness is truly unborn and marvellously illuminating; and everything…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bankei-yotaku/an-enlightened-awareness-is-within-each-one-of-us-right-at-this/) [Bankei Yotaku](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bankei-yotaku/) > [Now I try to make efforts, you know, I'm just, the best effort I can do is just stay sober myself. I can at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andy-dick/now-i-try-to-make-efforts-you-know-i-m-just-the-best-effort-i-can-do/) [Andy Dick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andy-dick/) > [Reading counts as partying, even if you're not enjoying it! Even if someone's forcing you to read, you can find a way to make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-w-k/reading-counts-as-partying-even-if-you-re-not-enjoying-it-even-if/) [Andrew W.K](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-w-k/) > [ Bernie \[Ecclestone\] is the commercial rights holder so the more outgoing the champion is, the better. Of course. I also do think about our… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bernie-ecclestone/bernie-ecclestone-is-the-commercial-rights-holder-so-the-more/) [Bernie Ecclestone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernie-ecclestone/) > [All efforts to render politics aesthetic culminate in one thing: war.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/walter-benjamin/all-efforts-to-render-politics-aesthetic-culminate-in-one-thing-war/) [Walter Benjamin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/walter-benjamin/) > [Im tired, tired of putting more effort than you do. Im tired of always having to start the conversation and if I dont, you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/im-tired-tired-of-putting-more-effort-than-you-do-im-tired-of-always/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [It is for the superfluous we sweat.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/seneca-the-younger/it-is-for-the-superfluous-we-sweat/) [Seneca the Younger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/seneca-the-younger/) > [Only alone can you go into eternity. Only alone can you feel the transcendental light. It is not a shared experience because if it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/only-alone-can-you-go-into-eternity-only-alone-can-you-feel-the/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [I love a pocket. I'm about helping women look as good as possible on the least amount of effort. I want versatility and comfort.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stella-mccartney/i-love-a-pocket-i-m-about-helping-women-look-as-good-as-possible-on/) [Stella McCartney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stella-mccartney/) > [I have often spoken of integrity as the most important of these values, realizing that integrity – and personal integrity, at that – is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/verghese-kurien/i-have-often-spoken-of-integrity-as-the-most-important-of-these/) [Verghese Kurien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/verghese-kurien/) > [Grace is the power of the Holy Spirit coming to us free of charge to enable you to do with ease what you could…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joyce-meyer/grace-is-the-power-of-the-holy-spirit-coming-to-us-free-of-charge-to/) [Joyce Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joyce-meyer/) > [ No wonder that Churchill described this effort \[the British codebreakers working at Bletchley Park\] as "Britian"s secret weapon," a weapon far more effective than… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-hilton/no-wonder-that-churchill-described-this-effort-the-british/) [Peter Hilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-hilton/) > [“Dreams will come true as long as you give some effort towards your goal”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dayana/dreams-will-come-true-as-long-as-you-give-some-effort-towards-your/) [Dayana](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dayana/) > [I should have liked to get married, but over many decades I have lived essentially alone. I go to sleep when I'm tired, get…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/felix-dennis/i-should-have-liked-to-get-married-but-over-many-decades-i-have-lived/) [Felix Dennis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/felix-dennis/) [Browse all 8,602 Effort quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/effort/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“In this world, the only easy path is the course of least resistance. This is the path always taken by a stream of water as it seeks lower and lower ground. It will never go over an obstacle, and even when it has to go around one, water will always find the easiest way around, the way that requires as little work as possible. This, you have have noticed, is what makes rivers crooked, and it makes men and women crooked too. The easy path never goes anywhere but downward, and spiritually, that is not the direction we want to go. 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