In both personal and societal growth, resilience and strength are inextricably linked to resistance. Whether it is an individual facing personal challenges, or a society grappling with injustice, resistance serves as the bedrock of resilience. Similarly, resistance itself is not possible without strength – be it physical, emotional, or social. As such, we can argue that there is no resilience without resistance, and conversely, there is no resistance if there is no strength. The dynamic interplay between these three concepts shapes how we overcome adversity, achieve personal development, and drive societal progress.
At its core, resilience is the ability to recover from setbacks, adapt to difficult circumstances, and maintain a sense of strength through adversity. But what makes resilience possible? Resistance plays a pivotal role. Resistance is not always a direct confrontation, but it manifests as the ability to face, challenge, or adapt to obstacles, rather than succumbing to them.
For instance, personal resilience often requires individuals to resist the temptation to remain in their comfort zones. Whether adjusting to new living conditions, overcoming personal struggles, or adapting to a new job, resilience involves choosing the more difficult path instead of the easy escape. Adapting to new circumstances – be it moving to a new city, taking on a demanding career, or coping with health challenges – often requires resisting old habits or returning to familiar patterns that no longer serve one’s growth. The ability to stay the course, persist through discomfort, and make difficult choices are forms of resistance that fuel resilience.
In the same vein, societal resilience is similarly shaped by collective resistance to injustices, inequality, or stagnation. Societies that resist the status quo, challenge outdated systems, and advocate for change are the ones that foster resilience in the face of adversity. Movements for social change – such as civil rights, gender equality, and environmental justice – are fueled by the resistance to accepting things as they are, and the willingness to push for progress even when it’s difficult.
Thus, resilience in both personal and societal contexts involve embracing the struggle and choosing to resist giving in to inertia or complacency. Without this resistance, growth and adaptation would be stunted, and resilience would never emerge.
However, resilience cannot exist without strength. Strength, whether physical, emotional, or social, is what enables us to resist challenges and persist through adversity. Without strength, resistance would be impossible, as it is strength that provides the resources, tools, and inner fortitude to overcome difficulties.
Take physical strength as an example. Strength is built by engaging in activities that require the body to resist external forces – whether gravity, weight, or physical stress. The act of lifting weights, carrying heavy objects, or climbing stairs all require resisting external forces. In this way, strength and resistance are symbiotic: strength is gained by resisting something, and that resistance ultimately builds more strength. Without the capacity to resist, there would be no way to build or develop strength.
Similarly, in the realm of resilience, emotional or psychological strength is critical. Resilience in the face of personal challenges requires emotional strength, which is often developed through facing difficult experiences. Whether coping with the loss of a loved one, handling career setbacks, or dealing with chronic stress, emotional strength is cultivated by resisting the temptation to give in to despair and instead finding ways to adapt, persevere, and grow. This type of strength does not just appear; it is built through facing challenges and resisting the impulse to succumb to negative emotions.
On a societal level, social strength plays a similar role. A society’s ability to resist inequality or fight for justice requires the collective strength of individuals who are committed to bringing about change. The strength to resist and challenge the status quo – whether through protest, legislation, or social movements – enables societies to build resilience. Societies with strong foundations of equity, solidarity, and justice are better equipped to handle adversity because they draw upon their collective strength to resist systemic challenges and push for a better future.
The relationship between resilience, resistance, and strength is deeply interdependent. Strength enables resistance, and resistance, in turn, is the crucible in which resilience is forged. Without strength, resistance would be futile, as there would be no internal or external resources to engage with the challenges that arise. Without resistance, resilience would never have an opportunity to manifest, because there would be no adversity to overcome, and no reason to grow stronger.
Adaptation, which is essential for both personal and societal growth, is a perfect example of how resistance fuels resilience. In adapting to new situations – whether a new job, a new environment, or a new challenge – there is always a resistance to staying in the comfort of the status quo. Whether it’s resisting the temptation to go back to an old job because it feels safer or resisting the urge to abandon healthy habits in a new living situation, adaptation often means choosing the harder path and embracing growth despite discomfort. This is where strength becomes essential, as it gives individuals and communities the fortitude to resist complacency and pursue progress, even when the easier option is to stay with what’s familiar.
There is no resilience without resistance, just as there is no resistance without strength. These three forces – resilience, resistance, and strength – work together in a dynamic cycle that shapes personal development, societal change, and the overcoming of adversity. Resilience is the result of actively engaging with resistance, while resistance is only possible when there is strength to confront and endure challenges. Strength, whether physical, emotional, or social, provides the foundation upon which resistance can be built and, ultimately, resilience can thrive. In both personal and societal contexts, the pursuit of growth, change, and progress always involves a battle against complacency – a resistance to the status quo that leads to greater strength and ultimately, greater resilience.
Adekvatna Teologija | Bruno Petrušić 