An obstacle is often a steer that has a prelude. — Jean Cocteau
—What lingers after this line?
The Nature of Obstacles
This quote suggests that obstacles in life aren't random but are often guided or influenced by preceding events or actions. A 'steer' implies direction or guidance, meaning obstacles may serve a purpose or route us toward learning or growth.
Preparation and Foreshadowing
The word 'prelude' implies that challenges are often foreshadowed or can be anticipated if we are attuned to what's happening around us. Challenges may be part of a larger sequence, not isolated incidents.
Learning Through Difficulty
Cocteau seems to propose that obstacles may direct our growth or change course, prompting us to better prepare or adjust our approach, as each difficulty has its underlying cause or beginning.
Obstacles as Guidance
The word 'steer' suggests that challenges may not be purely negative forces but rather opportunities for redirection, shaping our progress and decisions in beneficial ways if we pay attention to their underlying meaning.
Philosophical Thought in Cocteau's Work
Jean Cocteau, a 20th-century French poet, playwright, and filmmaker, often delved into surrealism and intellectual thought in his body of work. His reflections on obstacles may stem from his broader exploration of human experience and the complexities of life.
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One-minute reflection
Why might this line matter today, not tomorrow?
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