In Patricia Briggs' novel "River Marked," the character Jim Alvin reflects on a personal struggle, contemplating whether returning to teaching about unconventional individuals would be a better choice than embodying those traits himself. This quote captures a moment of self-reflection and highlights the tension between personal identity and societal expectations. Jim seems to feel overwhelmed by his current life, which leads to doubts about his choices.

This introspection reveals the complexities of self-perception and the pressures of conforming to societal norms. By expressing a desire to go back to teaching, Jim acknowledges the challenges he faces in his current existence and the possibility of finding fulfillment through sharing knowledge rather than living as an outlier. It underscores the theme of identity exploration and the struggles individuals face when they diverge from conventional paths.