What I Learned as a Raft Guide. The Bootstrap Myth No One Talks About
We like to think that anyone — if they just work hard enough — can lift themselves out of hardship. We call it “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps.” But what if that idea is nothing more than a comforting fiction? In a raging river, no amount of grit will save you — only the boat, the guide, and the people working together. Life isn’t a solo climb up a ladder — often it’s about staying afloat, and helping each other stay in the boat.
Written by: Rod
Published on: December 6, 2025