Listen to Bruce Lee’s approach to martial arts which he calls “Gung Fu.” Be like a cup of water. This metaphor of water applies as much to fighting as it does to life.
“Water is the softest substance in the world, but yet it can penetrate the hardest rock.” – Bruce Lee
Gung Fu as Water
“Well Gung Fu the best example would be a glass of water. Why? Because water is the softest substance in the world, but yet it can penetrate the hardest rock or anything, granite, you name it. Water also is insubstantial. By that I mean you can not grasp hold of it. You can not punch it and hurt it. So every Gung Fu man is trying to do that to be soft like water and flexible and adapt itself to its opponent.”
Commentary
Lee’s ultimate approach to life was to be adaptable. Reacting to any given situation without knowing what to expect. This applies to fighting an opponent. The opponent might be short, tall, quick, slow, or deceptive. A fighter must adjust their strategy to the opponent while taking in their own strengths and weaknesses. The same applies to life. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses and must change their strategy based on their own abilities and the challenges ahead. This can apply to work, school, hobbies, and social situations.
Resources:
20th Century Fox Screen Test, February 4. L.A. screen test for a proposed show Charlie Chan’s Number One Son. Bruce Lee talks and demonstrates martial arts. This can be found as a special feature on the excellent documentary, I Am Bruce Lee (TMDB).
I Am Bruce Lee. Excellent Bruce Lee documentary including his family, friends, and training partners. Includes much footage of Bruce Lee talking in interviews. 1h 34m (IMDB).
4K Hand Water Pouring Flowing, HD Video Library, youtube.com.
Splashing Water hitting the Rocks on the Seaside, Free Stock Video, youtube.com.
Risk music by StudioKolomna from Pixaby.com.
AI Narration provided by elevenlabs.io. Bruce Lee quotes read by AI voice over.
Leave a Reply