An intelligent mind is an inquiring mind. It is not satisfied with explanation, with conclusions. Nor is it a mind that believes, because belief is again another form of conclusion.
To reach me, you must move to me. Your attack offers me an opportunity to intercept you.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that understanding and connection require effort and movement towards one another.
Bruce Lee's quote emphasizes the importance of taking proactive steps to create connection and understanding. It underscores the idea that one must actively engage with others rather than expect them to come to you. The notion of an 'attack' can be interpreted as a challenge or a confrontation, which can provide a chance for deeper insight and response. Overall, the quote speaks to the dynamics of interaction and the necessity of intentional effort in relationships.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a workshop on conflict resolution, this quote can illustrate the necessity of mutual effort in resolving disputes.
More from Bruce Lee
All quotes βThereβs only one basic principle of self-defense- you must apply the most effective weapon, as soon as possible, to the most vulnerable target.
Do not deny the classical approach, simply as a reaction, or you will have created another pattern and trapped yourself there.
Do not allow negative thoughts to enter your mind for they are the weeds that strange confidence.
More and more I believe in the fact that you have two hands and two legs, and the thing is how to make good use of yourself - and that's about it.
Because one does not want to be disturbed, to be made uncertain, he establishes a pattern of conduct, of thought, a pattern of relationships to man. He then becomes a slave to the pattern and takes the pattern to be the real thing.
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The egotist is all surface; underneath is a pulpy mess and a lot of self-doubt. But the egoist may be yielding and even deferential in things he doesn't consider important; in anything that touches his core he is remorseless.
You see but your shadow when you turn your back to the sun.
To tax the community for the advantage of a class is not protection: it is plunder.
There is immeasurably more left inside than what comes out in words.
Christian minds have been conformed to the modern spirit: the spirit, that is, that spawns great thoughts of man and leaves room for only small thoughts of God.