Breakdown:

This thought-provoking narrative uses the metaphor of a river to explore the concept of personal growth, potential, and the process of discovering one’s own depth and capabilities.

1. Two Methods to Test a River’s Depth:
   • The story begins by explaining two ways to test a river’s depth. The first method is observing the river’s surface: if it’s fast and choppy, it’s shallow; if it’s smooth and swirling, the water is deeper. This, however, only gives a superficial understanding and doesn’t reveal how deep the river truly is. It highlights that appearances can be deceptive when evaluating depth, both in rivers and in people.
2. The Correct Method for Measuring Depth:
   • The second and more accurate method is tying a rock or lead weight to a rope, lowering it six feet at a time until either you reach the bottom or run out of rope. This symbolizes the steady, incremental process of self-discovery. To truly understand your own depth, you must patiently test and push your limits.
3. The Significance of Depth:
   • The metaphor continues by explaining that the deeper the river, the more resources it holds—more fish, more opportunities. This represents the idea that the more a person is willing to explore their own depths, the more potential and opportunities they can uncover within themselves.
4. You Are the River:
   • The story shifts to a more personal tone, saying, “We are the river.” It suggests that to understand your own potential, you must stop comparing yourself to others (testing friends or community) and instead put in the personal work. Testing your depth is a personal journey that requires time, effort, and patience.
5. Wisdom in Incremental Progress:
   • The wisdom here is to approach self-discovery and personal growth incrementally—“six feet at a time.” This ensures that you don’t overwhelm yourself or “break” while pushing boundaries. Little by little, you can discover new strengths, abilities, and skills, realizing that you may be a “bottomless well” of potential.
6. Final Reflection:
   • The narrative concludes with the idea that, by testing your depths in small increments, you may discover that you have untapped power and potential. The deeper you go, the more you realize how capable you are, with endless possibilities before you.

Conclusion: This metaphorical story beautifully conveys the message that self-discovery and personal growth are gradual processes. By exploring your depth patiently and consistently, you can unlock hidden potential and achieve more than you ever imagined. It’s a reminder that true growth comes from within, not from comparing ourselves to others.