This quote, "Don't try to steer the river," is like telling you not to push too hard against the natural flow of things. Imagine a river flowing by itself. You can't really change its direction or control it. Similarly, in life, there are some things you can't control, no matter how much you try.
It's like a reminder to go with the flow and not force things to happen the way you want them to. Sometimes, it's better to adapt to the situation rather than trying to make it exactly as you wish. This doesn't mean you shouldn't work towards your goals, but rather, it suggests being flexible and open to different outcomes.
So, when you come across this quote, think of it as a gentle nudge to let go of excessive control and trust that things will unfold naturally. It encourages you to embrace life's unpredictability and find harmony in its course, much like you would with a river that has its own path.