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.
My strength comes from my abdomen. It's the center of gravity and the source of real power.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of physical and inner strength originating from one's core.
In this quote, Bruce Lee highlights the significance of the abdomen as a metaphorical center of strength and balance. By referring to it as the 'center of gravity', he suggests that true power comes from within, rooted in one's core values, beliefs, and physical strength. This philosophy encourages individuals to cultivate their inner strength to overcome challenges, emphasizing that true power is not just physical but also deeply connected to mental fortitude and self-awareness.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a fitness workshop to emphasize the importance of core strength in physical training.
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.
Similar quotes
It had been happy for me if I could have lived a private life in peace and plenty, enjoying all the happiness that results from a well-tempered society founded on mutual esteem. But the injury done my country, and the chains of slavery forging for all posterity, calls me forth to defend our common rights, and repel the bold invaders of the sons of freedom.
I knew someone had to take the first step. So I made up my mind not to move.
Everyone thinks my story should be marked by heroism, but there was no risk to myself. You see, no-one in Prague at that time thought they were going to be at war with England.
To do nothing was disgraceful; therefore I made use of my understanding.
When you speak up about any sense of unfairness or injustice, you're told that you're overreacting, you're too angry, too silly-shut up already. It takes a tremendous amount of fortitude to be able to live in this world as a woman, let alone a woman who wants things to change.
When you come from a background like mine, where you're entering worlds that are so different than your own, you have to be afraid.