Quotes from Bruce Lee

Defeat is a state of mind; no one is ever defeated until defeat has been accepted by reality

Be water my friends.

The aim of the self-willed man is growth. — A self-willed man has no other aim than his own growth. He values only one thing, the mysterious power in himself which bids him live and helps him to grow. His only living destiny is the silent, ungainsayable law in his own heart, which comfortable habits make it so hard to obey but which to the self-willed man is destiny and godhead.

The less confident we are in ourselves, the less we are in touch with ourselves and the world, the more we want to control.

Love and respect. — Without respect, love cannot go long.

Sensitivity is not possible if you are afraid.

Kindness and remembrance. — A person cannot forget someone who is good to them.

Knowledge can get you power. But character can get you respect.

The unfolding of the bare human soul... that is what interests me.

Adversity causes the mind to think properly. — In a time when everything goes well, my mind is pampered with enjoyment, possessiveness, etc. Only in times of adversity, privation, or mishap, does my mind function and think properly of my state. This close examination of self strengthens my mind and leads me to understand and be understood.

My Definite Chief Aim I, Bruce Lee, will be the first highest paid Oriental super star in the United States. In return, I will give the most exciting performances and render the best of quality in the capacity of an actor. Starting 1970 I will achieve world fame and from then onward till the end of 1980 I will have in my possession $10,000,000. I will live the way I please and achieve inner harmony and happiness.

Be a practical dreamer backed by action

Self-will is the only virtue that takes no account of man-made laws. A self-willed man obeys a different law, the one law I hold absolutely sacred—the law in himself, his own "will." What does self-willed mean? Does it not mean "having a will of one's own?" The human herd instinct demands adaptation and subordination—but for his highest honor man elects not the meek, the pusillanimous, the supine, but precisely the self-willed man, the heroes.

Artistic skill, therefore, does not mean artistic perfection. It remains rather a continuing medium or reflection of some step in psychic development, the perfection of which is not to be found in shape and form, but must radiate from the human soul.

Sideways force can be broken though by straight force. Straight force can be stopped by sideways force.

Do not correct a fool or he will hate you, correct a wise man and he will appreciate you.

Knowledge will give you power, but character respect

Even though I, Bruce Lee, may die someday without fulfilling all of my ambitions, I feel no sorrow. I did what I wanted to do. What I've done, I've done with sincerity and to the best of my ability. You can't expect much more from life.

Love is mathematically just. — Love, and you shall be loved — all love is mathematically just, as much as the two sides of an algebraic equation.

Life is a process, not a goal; a means but not an end; a constant movement rather than an established pattern.

Balance your thoughts with action.

The creating individual is always more important than any established style or system.

The six principle steps of teaching. Motivation of the trainee Maintaining their complete attention Promoting mental activity (thinking) — discussion, question, lecture Creating a clear picture of material to be learned; outlining the material Developing comprehension of the significance, the implications, and the practical application of the material being presented (clear goals) Repetition of the five preceding steps until learning has taken place

On the joy of exercise. — I really dig exercise. When I'm jogging early in the morning, boy! It's sure refreshing. Although Hong Kong is one of the most crowded places in the world, I'm surprised how peaceful it can be in the morning. Sure, there are people, but I become oblivious to them while I am running.