Change means movement. Movement means friction. Only in the frictionless vacuum of a nonexistent abstract world can movement or change occur without that abrasive friction of conflict.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote highlights the reality that change is often accompanied by conflict or friction. It suggests that in the real world, change is not always smooth or easy, but rather involves challenges, conflicts, and resistance. It underscores the idea that change requires effort, movement, and sometimes even conflict to overcome obstacles and push through barriers. It prompts reflection on the complexities of change and the need to navigate through challenges to achieve meaningful progress.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Change means movement. Movement means friction. Only in the frictionless vacuum of a nonexistent abstract world can movement or change occur without that abrasive friction of conflict." was said by Saul Alinsky (Bio / Quotes). Saul Alinsky was an American community organizer and writer who is best known for his book "Rules for Radicals.
What's the quote's message?
This quote is essentially a metaphorical reflection on the nature of change and its relationship with conflict.
The message is that change—be it personal, societal, or organizational—is inextricably linked with movement, and this movement is bound to create friction or conflict. This is because change often entails leaving behind the familiar, challenging the status quo, or adopting new perspectives, all of which can lead to disagreement, resistance, or discord. These frictions are a natural and inevitable part of the process.
The idea of a "frictionless vacuum of a nonexistent abstract world" is used to underline the fact that the only place where change could occur without conflict is an unrealistic, ideal world that simply does not exist. In real life, change cannot be fully separated from the friction it causes. Therefore, rather than striving to avoid conflict, we should expect and be prepared for it as a part of the change process.
So, the deeper understanding to be derived from this quote is that conflict should not always be perceived negatively. Instead, it can be viewed as a sign of progress, a necessary part of growth, evolution, and transformation. It underscores the importance of resilience, perseverance, and constructive management of disagreements in effecting meaningful change.
In other words, if you're encountering friction, you're probably moving. And if you're moving, you're making a difference.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One historical example that illustrates the message of the quote you provided is the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. This movement aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans in the United States. The quote emphasizes that change and movement often come with friction and conflict.
During the Civil Rights Movement, there was significant friction and conflict between those advocating for equal rights and those opposing such changes. The movement was marked by protests, marches, sit-ins, and other forms of nonviolent resistance. African Americans and their allies faced resistance, violence, and oppression from segregationists, including white supremacists and state authorities.
The friction and conflict were inherent to the process of bringing about change. The struggle for civil rights required confronting deeply ingrained racism, challenging long-standing societal norms, and pushing against the resistance of those benefiting from the status quo. The movement faced obstacles such as legal battles, violent backlash, and the mobilization of resources by opponents to maintain segregation.
Despite the friction and conflict, the Civil Rights Movement ultimately achieved significant milestones. The landmark Supreme Court case of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. The Montgomery Bus Boycott, led by Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., resulted in the desegregation of buses in Montgomery, Alabama. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were enacted, providing legal protections against discrimination and expanding voting rights for African Americans.
The historical example of the Civil Rights Movement demonstrates that meaningful change often involves overcoming friction, conflict, and resistance. It highlights the inherent challenges of challenging established systems and norms and the need for perseverance, resilience, and collective action to bring about transformative change.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
