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Bruce Lee Be Like Water & Sun Tzu Art Of War Philosophy
- by J. Khoo @ Mr Art of War
- Dec 2, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 2
Bruce Lee Quote: "Be Like Water, My Friend". What is The Meaning?
Bruce Lee was an exceptionally talented martial artist, actor, filmmaker, and philosopher who made significant contributions to both the martial arts community and popular culture, with roots in both Hong Kong and America.
His influence transcended the boundaries of traditional martial arts, and his teachings continue to resonate with individuals around the world.
You may have encountered his profound insights through his acclaimed book and documentary film in 2020 titled "Be Water," which talks about his philosophy and approach to life and combat.
"Be Like Water" Table Of Contents:
Bruce Lee "Be Like Water" Quote
Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless like water. If you put water into a cup, it will become a cup. You put water into a bottleand it will become the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes a teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be like Water, my friend.
In this influential work, Bruce Lee famously mentioned the phrase, "Be Like Water, My Friend."
This straightforward yet impactful statement embodies a deep philosophy that urges people to adopt adaptability and resilience when confronting life's difficulties.
The metaphor of water highlights the significance of being flexible and responsive, as opposed to being fixed, focused, and rigid.
Sun Tzu's "Be Like Water" Quote
The phrase "Be Like Water" also has historical significance, as it was referenced in the ancient Chinese military treatise "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu. Bruce Lee took this concept and popularized it in the context of martial arts and personal development, emphasizing the necessity of flexibility in both physical and mental practices.
By embodying the characteristics of water—being formless, shapeless, and adaptable—one can navigate through various situations with grace and efficiency.
This concept is a powerful metaphor for being formless, shapeless, flexible, and not conforming to any particular style or strategy.
It suggests that true mastery lies not in rigid adherence to a specific technique or doctrine but in the ability to adapt one's approach based on the circumstances at hand.
This flexibility allows individuals to respond effectively to the unpredictability of life, much like water which takes the shape of whatever container it occupies.
The Origin Philosophy Of "Be like Water"
The philosophical roots of this idea can be traced back to Taoist philosophy, which emphasizes harmony with the natural world and the importance of yielding to the flow of life.
In Taoism, water is often seen as a symbol of wisdom and strength; it is soft yet powerful, capable of eroding the hardest rock over time. By embracing this philosophy, individuals can learn to navigate their lives with a sense of ease and balance.
Applying "Be like Water" Philosophy
"Be Like Water" means freeing your mind and going with the flow like water; you focus on being flexible and adapting to your circumstances.
This mindset encourages you to let go of the need to control every aspect of your life and instead embrace the natural unfolding of events.
In doing so, you cultivate resilience and a deeper understanding of yourself and your environment.
Rather than resisting what happens in life, Bruce Lee advocates for acceptance of your circumstances, encouraging you to adapt and go with nature.
This approach not only fosters personal growth but also enhances your ability to face challenges with a calm and composed demeanor.
Go with the flow. Flow like water.
Based on Sun Tzu Art Of War philosophy, he says,
Military tactics are like water, in its natural course, running away from high places and speeding downwards. In a battle, avoid the strong and attack the weak.
Therefore, like water, it retains no constant shape, so in warfare, there are no constant conditions.
Like our business and personal lives, the battlefield is constantly changing, and the only way to win easily is through adaptability and flexibility.
When we face a challenge, we should explore all possible strategies and tactics for a solution, like water finding its way down a rugged mountain.
Water never fights but slips through every angle and corner to get its way through.
So, in life or business, never resist or fight head-on; look for multiple angles to solve the problem.
This is very similar to what Bruce Lee said,
Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless like water. If you put water into a cup, it will become a cup. You put water into a bottleand it will become the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes a teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be like Water, my friend.
Bruce Lee and Sun Tzu's 'Art of War' share many similarities.. Bruce Lee doesn't adhere to any specific martial arts style.
His martial arts style is no style. Just like water, his fighting style is unpredictable. He adapts to the situation and focuses on looking for opportunities, striking quickly and effectively.
Like in Bruce Lee's movies, his fighting style emphasizes adaptability and fluidity. By not adhering to any specific style, he effortlessly flows, seamlessly shifting between offense and defense.
Bruce Lee's fighting strategy, influenced by Sun Tzu's Art of War, shows his deep understanding of combat dynamics. He constantly looks for weaknesses and openings in his opponent's defense.
Like the movement of water, he does not confront directly but instead capitalizes on the opponent's mistakes. He moves with fluidity, dodges, and strikes swiftly, aiming for maximum impact with minimal effort.
Remember, to win our battles in life and business, we must embrace the concept of flowing like water, allowing ourselves to find the path of least resistance while remaining strong and unwavering in our purpose.
Ultimately will lead you to overcome any obstacles in your way.
Be like water.
PS. We added Bruce Lee's profound philosophical quote, "Be like Water," to our discussion because there are numerous and significant similarities to the teachings found in Sun Tzu's timeless classic, The Art of War.
This connection is not merely superficial; it goes deep into the essence of strategy, adaptability, and the nature of overcoming obstacles in various aspects of life.
When we reflect on Bruce Lee's wisdom, it becomes clear that he advocates for a mindset that embraces fluidity and resilience.
Sun Tzu Art Of War Philosophy on "Be like Water" Mindset
There is no need to go against the tide or succumb to external pressures that may compel you to push your way through challenges to achieve your desires forcefully.
Such an approach often leads to exhaustion and burnout after a long and arduous journey. Instead, by embodying the qualities of water—being adaptable, yielding, and finding the path of least resistance—you can navigate through life's complexities with grace and effectiveness.
Similar to Bruce Lee "Be Like Water", in The Art of War, Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of being flexible and adapting to ever-changing circumstances, whether in the context of combat, professional endeavors, or business ventures.
The core principle is that success often lies in the ability to respond to the environment rather than in rigidly adhering to a predetermined plan. Just as water takes the shape of its container, individuals must learn to adjust their strategies based on the dynamics of their surroundings.
This adaptability is crucial in warfare and personal growth, career development, and entrepreneurial pursuits, where the ability to pivot and innovate can make all the difference between success and failure.
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