“Resistance has no strength of its own. Ever see an ogre blow out an empty paper bag?”
— Steven Pressfield
Simplified Meaning:
When someone opposes or resists something without any real reason or substance, their resistance is weak and easy to overcome. Imagine a big, strong ogre trying to blow up an empty paper bag. No matter how hard the ogre blows, the bag doesn't change because there is nothing inside it. Similarly, if a person fights against something but their arguments or reasons are hollow or empty, their resistance will fail. Think about a time in school where two students argue about the best way to solve a math problem. One student presents clear and logical steps, while the other just insists their way is better without explaining why. The second student's argument falls flat because it lacks substance, much like the ogre with the empty bag. We can apply this idea to our daily lives by making sure our actions and words have real meaning and purpose. If we are going to stand up against something or someone, we should do so with strong, well-thought-out reasons. This way, our resistance will have the power and won't be easily dismissed.