Bruce Lee

1940–1973 · Martial artist, actor & philosopher

Bruce Lee was a Hong Kong–American martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do whose real writings (collected in Striking Thoughts and Tao of Jeet Kune Do) made him a magnet for feel-good aphorisms he never wrote. He died in 1973 — more than four decades before this saying was first pinned on him online. His actual philosophy prized flowing adaptability (“be water”) rather than the stoic emotional restraint this internet quote preaches.

Traced to source

1 quote we’ve traced

“You will continue to suffer if you have an emotional reaction to everything that is said to you. True power is sitting back and observing everything with logic. True power is restraint”

Disputed

Not actually Bruce Lee

Often misattributed to Bruce Lee

Famous lines widely pinned on Bruce Lee that we’ve traced to someone else.

“He who knows not, and knows not he knows not, is a fool; shun him. He who knows not, and knows he knows not, is simple; teach him. He who knows, and knows not he knows, is asleep; awaken him. He who knows, and knows he knows, is wise; follow him”

actually An anonymous proverb (documented as an “Arabic” / Oriental saying)

“The perfect way is only difficult for those who pick and choose. Do not like, do not dislike; all will then be clear. Make a hairbreadth difference and heaven and earth are set apart; if you want the truth to stand clear before you, never be for or against. The struggle between 'for' and 'against' is the mind's worst disease”

actually Jianzhi Sengcan (Third Zen Patriarch); English by Arthur Waley

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