--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When a man is drowning, it may be better…" description: "\"When a man is drowning, it may be better for him to try to swim than to thrash around waiting for divine intervention.\" — William Sloane Coffin" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2e5/william-sloane-coffin-4839_divine_when-a-man-is-drowning-it-may-be-better_579448.png" --- # When a man is drowning, it may be better for him to try to… ![“When a man is drowning, it may be better for him to try to swim than to thrash around waiting for divine intervention.” quote by William Sloane Coffin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2e5/william-sloane-coffin-4839_divine_when-a-man-is-drowning-it-may-be-better_579448.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2e5/william-sloane-coffin-4839_divine_when-a-man-is-drowning-it-may-be-better_579448.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2e5/william-sloane-coffin-4839_divine_when-a-man-is-drowning-it-may-be-better_579448.png) > “When a man is drowning, it may be better for him to try to swim than to thrash around waiting for divine intervention.” [William Sloane Coffin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-sloane-coffin/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. When facing crisis, personal effort (trying to swim) is often more effective than passive waiting for divine help. **In simple terms:** Take action rather than just wait for miracles. Key Takeaway Act proactively in dire situations. Themes faith agency resilience Mood inspirational challenging Type spiritual practical When to use this quote - disaster response - personal health crises - social activism - mental health coping Key Concepts theology personal responsibility existentialism Questions to Reflect On - When have you chosen to act instead of wait? - How do you balance faith with personal effort? 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