“Better to slide thither on a plank than cling to the rocks of a hostile shore”
— Herman Melville
Simplified Meaning:
Imagine you're stuck in a difficult situation, like being on a dangerous, rocky shore where you're not welcome. It's better to take a chance and try to escape, even if your escape method seems shaky or uncertain, like floating away on a wooden plank. Staying where you are is risky and likely unsafe. For instance, if you're in a toxic job, it might feel scary to leave for a new opportunity that isn't guaranteed, but staying will only harm you in the long run. By taking the risk and moving forward, you open yourself to new, possibly better chances, rather than holding on to something harmful. In your life, when facing a hostile or bad environment, it’s often better to find a way out, even if the path to safety seems a bit unstable or frightening.
