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Psychoanalyst Gabriel Rolón: 'Where there's a will, there's a way' is the world's biggest lie
🇦🇷 Argentina /Culture & Society

Psychoanalyst Gabriel Rolón: 'Where there's a will, there's a way' is the world's biggest lie

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources Context piece
  • Renowned psychoanalyst Gabriel Rolón dismisses the common phrase "where there's a will, there's a way" as a harmful myth.
  • Rolón argues that success is not solely dependent on individual willpower, ignoring external limitations and psychological complexities.
  • He emphasizes the importance of recognizing genuine anguish and understanding that not all dreams are achievable, challenging the notion that failure stems from insufficient desire.

Psychoanalyst Gabriel Rolón has challenged a deeply ingrained belief in contemporary culture: the notion that "where there's a will, there's a way." During a radio appearance on Perros de la Calle, Rolón described this phrase as "the biggest lie in the world," asserting that its application as a life philosophy is not only simplistic but potentially damaging.

Where there's a will, there's a way is the biggest lie in the world.

— Gabriel RolónPsychoanalyst Gabriel Rolón describing the common phrase during a radio interview.

Rolón explained that the belief that success hinges solely on individual determination overlooks the intricate nature of the human psyche. He stated, "Not all dreams come true; sometimes sacrifices will not be rewarded. There are situations where life simply tells you no." This perspective directly contradicts the idea that failure is a consequence of not wanting something enough. Rolón highlighted that external realities are often fraught with limitations, insecurities, and fears that are beyond subjective control.

Not all dreams come true; sometimes sacrifices will not be rewarded. There are situations where life simply tells you no.

— Gabriel RolónRolón explaining that external realities and limitations often prevent dreams from being realized.

The psychoanalyst further elaborated that "our reality is a psychic reality; there are no facts, only interpretations." He warned that attributing all outcomes to willpower imposes an unfair burden on individuals. By viewing willpower as the sole driver of destiny, contextual and emotional factors that shape an individual's actions are rendered invisible. Rolón stressed, "Believing that one is doing well or poorly by their own decision ignores how the human psyche works."

Our reality is a psychic reality; there are no facts, only interpretations.

— Gabriel RolónRolón discussing the subjective nature of reality in his psychoanalytic framework.

Rolón also connected these ideas to personal development and early relationships. He discussed how leaving one's family of origin requires maturity often hindered by unconscious mandates. "If you grow up feeling that you are not loved, you have to work hard to gain self-confidence," he noted. The pursuit of approval and self-love, he suggested, influences how individuals face challenges more than the mere intention to achieve a goal. He added, "There is no love that justifies paying all the prices," referring to pathological relationships that can be extremely difficult to leave.

Believing that one is doing well or poorly by their own decision ignores how the human psyche works.

— Gabriel RolónRolón critiquing the oversimplification of personal success and failure.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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