The man who is swimming against the stream knows the strength of it.

In this quote, Woodrow Wilson uses the metaphor of swimming against the stream to illustrate the challenge of going against the norms or facing adversity. The "stream" represents the prevailing current of society, opinion, or circumstance, while the man who swims against it represents someone who challenges or resists that flow. Wilson suggests that those who go against the grain are intimately familiar with the difficulties and obstacles they face because they experience the full force of opposition firsthand.

The quote also emphasizes the strength and determination required to resist such pressure. When swimming against a strong current, the swimmer has to exert more energy, showing that those who oppose the status quo often encounter significant challenges and require extraordinary resilience. It speaks to the courage and endurance needed to challenge societal expectations or fight for a cause, as well as the personal growth and understanding that comes from such struggles.

The origin of this quote can be linked to Wilson's tenure as the 28th President of the United States. Wilson was known for his progressive policies and his ability to confront prevailing attitudes, whether it was regarding political reform, international relations, or social issues. As a leader, he likely understood the difficulties of pushing for change and the personal cost of going against powerful currents in both politics and public opinion.

Ultimately, Wilson’s message is about resilience in the face of adversity and the value of understanding the challenges that come with going against the tide. By knowing the strength of the current, individuals gain a deeper understanding of their own resolve and the efforts required to achieve what may seem impossible.