Teacher: “What is the highest technique you hope to achieve?” Bruce Lee: “To have no technique.” I’ve been known to say stuff like this — a lot: “Rediscover the subversive pleasure of thinking for yourself.” Even so, it doesn’t make me immune to the soothing charms of a hive mind. It can be intoxicating to unquestionably believe we are right about something and to have like-minded folks surrounding us to confirm it all day, every day.
His Tao of Jeet Kun Do was one of the books that changed my life for the better. Among other things, it helped me find the intellectual courage to learn from mistakes.
When he died, I wondered if he'd been murdered. His thinking and teaching were genuinely revolutionary. So many other remarkable leaders have been murdered that it seemed plausible he, too, might be targeted.
The official story of his death is believable but, as you state, it's also quite plausible that kung fu purists and a rival movie studio had a motive. It's been nearly 50 years so I'm not sure we'll ever see new evidence.
When I saw the title I thought this was about the data on unexplained death and disability. A refreshing read, but I had to note that was first in my mind.
Thank you, Amy. I'm glad you liked the post and your overall replay was helpful. I can't be that person who zeroes in on one general topic so I try different angles and perspectives. It's always nice to learn it landed properly.
It really hit me. Super good. I really appreciate different angles and perspectives too. I have written memoir type stuff too in the hopes of waking up from other approaches. No human can just do the data and the hard edges of this situation all the time. And we may be learning to live with it for awhile.. gulp
Thanks for that. What a refreshing surprise to start the day! He was truly a unique individual. Often wonder what else he would have accomplished and what he would make of what's going on in the world.
In one of his books, Carl Gustav Jung gave a similar statement : truth is what works for you. I tried to keep that as a leading thread in my life, no matter what others say.
thank you, but there is nothing to admire. It is just living your own life. I was an only child without friends as child and learned to be alone. Always chose the part of the minority.
Thought I needed a man, but after 2 divorces, the third one died, I found out I function better when alone. If I need someone, there always seems to be someone. Call it god, call it luck, but that is how my life went, I am almost 65. Now I count on someone being there when I need to go on Medicare LOL.
Thank you.! Another Bruce Lee quote, one I think about a lot, especially when I'm in unpleasant situations like refusing to wear a mask in places where they're required, is: "To know oneself is to see oneself in action with another person." Reminding me, in these days of forced isolation, that we need relationships/interactions with other beings, we can't grow (or even live) otherwise. And also, that sometimes you do need a strategy in some situations! Anyway I'm a Bruce Lee fan, too, whatever that means.
Another great one - thanks Mickey - the grounding in Taoist and Zen practice of letting go and questioning everything - even the root clinging to the idea of being a separate self - brings liberation and authenticity, but words, though we love 'em, are traps ... The silent mind.... being nobody & everyone..... we can welcome the edge of the great mystery - and people (very rare) like Bruce can point the way - thanks again Mickey!
✊
His Tao of Jeet Kun Do was one of the books that changed my life for the better. Among other things, it helped me find the intellectual courage to learn from mistakes.
Likewise!
One of my tattoos is a drawing of Bruce's from that book.
When he died, I wondered if he'd been murdered. His thinking and teaching were genuinely revolutionary. So many other remarkable leaders have been murdered that it seemed plausible he, too, might be targeted.
The official story of his death is believable but, as you state, it's also quite plausible that kung fu purists and a rival movie studio had a motive. It's been nearly 50 years so I'm not sure we'll ever see new evidence.
Excellent. And these two words are a great description (and reminder): incremental compromises.
Such a familiar trap, huh?
When I saw the title I thought this was about the data on unexplained death and disability. A refreshing read, but I had to note that was first in my mind.
Thank you, Amy. I'm glad you liked the post and your overall replay was helpful. I can't be that person who zeroes in on one general topic so I try different angles and perspectives. It's always nice to learn it landed properly.
It really hit me. Super good. I really appreciate different angles and perspectives too. I have written memoir type stuff too in the hopes of waking up from other approaches. No human can just do the data and the hard edges of this situation all the time. And we may be learning to live with it for awhile.. gulp
Thank you, again!
Thanks for that. What a refreshing surprise to start the day! He was truly a unique individual. Often wonder what else he would have accomplished and what he would make of what's going on in the world.
Indeed. He'd be almost 82 years old now and I feel the world could've benefitted from the wisdom he would've shared.
In one of his books, Carl Gustav Jung gave a similar statement : truth is what works for you. I tried to keep that as a leading thread in my life, no matter what others say.
I admire your independence and courage.
thank you, but there is nothing to admire. It is just living your own life. I was an only child without friends as child and learned to be alone. Always chose the part of the minority.
Thought I needed a man, but after 2 divorces, the third one died, I found out I function better when alone. If I need someone, there always seems to be someone. Call it god, call it luck, but that is how my life went, I am almost 65. Now I count on someone being there when I need to go on Medicare LOL.
Fair enough, I'll change "admire" to "appreciate." 🙂
You sound like someone who can manifest support when you need it and yes, I have also learned how to function well alone.
Thank you.! Another Bruce Lee quote, one I think about a lot, especially when I'm in unpleasant situations like refusing to wear a mask in places where they're required, is: "To know oneself is to see oneself in action with another person." Reminding me, in these days of forced isolation, that we need relationships/interactions with other beings, we can't grow (or even live) otherwise. And also, that sometimes you do need a strategy in some situations! Anyway I'm a Bruce Lee fan, too, whatever that means.
Isn't it fascinating how martial arts theory can be so applicable to everyday interactions?
Another great one - thanks Mickey - the grounding in Taoist and Zen practice of letting go and questioning everything - even the root clinging to the idea of being a separate self - brings liberation and authenticity, but words, though we love 'em, are traps ... The silent mind.... being nobody & everyone..... we can welcome the edge of the great mystery - and people (very rare) like Bruce can point the way - thanks again Mickey!