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IF YOUR OPPONENT strikes with fire, counter with water, becoming completely fluid and free-flowing. Water, by its nature, never collides with or breaks against anything. On the contrary, it swallows up any attack harmlessly.
Morihei Ueshiba
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Adaptability is key in overcoming challenges and conflicts.

This quote by Morihei Ueshiba emphasizes the importance of being fluid and adaptable when faced with challenges or adversaries. Just as water can absorb and neutralize fire, a flexible and responsive mindset allows one to navigate difficulties without direct confrontation, promoting a sense of harmony rather than discord.

Themes

AdaptabilityFluidityOvercomingResiliencePeace

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about facing challenges in life.

More from Morihei Ueshiba

PRACTICE OF THE Art of Peace is an act of faith, a belief in the ultimate power of nonviolence. It is faith in the power of purification and faith in the power of life itself. It is not a type of rigid discipline or empty asceticism. It is a path that follows natural principles, principles, that must be applied to daily living. The Art of Peace should be practiced from the time you rise to greet the morning to the time you retire at night.
Morihei UeshibaRead
Study the teachings of the pine tree, the bamboo, and the plum blossom. The pine is evergreen, firmly rooted, and venerable. The bamboo is strong, resilient, unbreakable. The plum blossom is hardy, fragrant, and elegant.
Morihei UeshibaRead
EACH DAY OF HUMAN life contains joy and anger, pain and pleasure, darkness and light, growth and decay. Each moment is etched with nature’s grand design-do not try to deny or oppose the cosmic order of things.
Morihei UeshibaRead
Foster and polish the warrior spirit while serving in the world; illuminate the path according to your inner light.
Morihei UeshibaRead
THE BODY SHOULD be triangular, the mind circular. The triangle represents the generation of energy and is the most stable physical posture. The circle symbolizes serenity and perfection, the source of unlimited techniques. The square stands for solidity, the basis of applied control.
Morihei UeshibaRead
Aikido is the spirit of loving protection for all beings.
Morihei UeshibaRead

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Quote by Morihei Ueshiba | QuoteProject