The quote from Philip Pullman's "The Golden Compass" highlights the immense influence of external forces on individuals. It suggests that people are often swept away by powerful currents, likening societal pressures and worldly powers to natural tides that can shape behavior and decisions in profound ways.

This idea underscores the struggle individuals face in asserting their own will against formidable, often unseen influences. It points to the complexities of human motivation and the challenges of navigating a world where external forces have significant sway over personal choices and actions.