Meaning & Analysis
To move in the same direction as a current of water, such as a river or tide, which requires less effort than moving against it.
Insights
Social Conformity
Describes the act of conforming to the prevailing opinions, trends, or behaviors of the majority to avoid conflict or social friction. It is the path of least resistance in social situations.
Pragmatic Adaptation
Represents a pragmatic or strategic choice to adapt to overwhelming circumstances rather than fighting a losing battle. This can be a tactic for survival or advancement, as seen in the Shakespearean quote where not swimming with the current leads to sinking.
Passive Acceptance
Implies a passive acceptance of the status quo or a lack of independent thought. It can characterize someone who follows others without personal conviction, simply because it is the easiest course of action.
Opportunistic Alignment
Can suggest opportunistic behavior, where an individual aligns with a popular or powerful faction not from belief, but for personal gain, advantage, or to maintain favor.
Psychology of Conformity
The proverb taps into the core psychological principle of social conformity, where individuals align with group behavior to ensure acceptance and minimize conflict. It reflects a fundamental tension between individual agency and societal pressure, a theme explored in literature from Shakespeare to dystopian novels.
Political and Social Pragmatism
Historically, this proverb serves as a pragmatic guide to navigating political and social change. During periods of upheaval or authoritarian rule, 'swimming with the stream' was often a necessary survival strategy, while in times of moral crisis, it could be interpreted as a critique of cowardice or a lack of conviction.
Cultural Relativity
The proverb's value is culturally dependent. In collectivist societies, it may be viewed positively, emphasizing harmony and unity. In individualistic cultures, it often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of originality, courage, or independent thought.
Natural World as Moral Allegory
The use of a natural element—the stream—as a metaphor for societal forces illustrates a long-standing tradition of drawing moral and behavioral wisdom from the natural world. The stream is an impersonal, powerful force, suggesting that societal trends can be just as difficult to resist as nature itself.
Rhetorical Devices
Metaphor
The proverb is built on a central metaphor where the 'stream' or 'tide' symbolizes the powerful, often irresistible, force of public opinion, cultural trends, or political movements.
Imagery
The physical act of swimming or floating with a current creates a simple, universally understood image of yielding to a greater force, making the abstract concept of conformity tangible and memorable.
Semantic Nuance
The alternative verbs 'go' and 'swim' provide subtle layers of meaning. 'To go' suggests passive, effortless compliance, while 'to swim' implies a more conscious and active decision to align oneself with the prevailing direction.
Transcription
Quotations
Yet suffer we all these things to passe, and goe with the streame.
Because the multitude fauours Religion, he runnes with the streame, and fauours Religion.
To follow the tyde, to second or sooth one.
To go by the tide, viz. to keep the main road, to do as others do.
*To humour, and sooth any one, to say as he says, without opposition in the least.
To go with the stream. To sail with the tide.
Shakespeare Citations
For not to swim I' th' aid o' th' current were almost to sink.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.