Bruce Lee’s famous advice, “be like water,” offers a profound lesson in adaptability, flexibility, and an effortless dance with the universe. Being like water means moving in harmony with the world, rather than fighting against it – a philosophy that touched every aspect of his martial arts. It teaches us to flow with life’s challenges and opportunities, embodying a fluid, responsive approach to everything we encounter.
Be Like Water: Bruce Lee’s Philosophy
David Allen’s later interpretation, “mind like water,” adds another layer of complexity to this teaching. Allen encourages us to achieve a state of mind that’s in harmony with our surroundings. It’s about reacting appropriately to each stimulus without becoming overwhelmed, keeping our mental waters calm and our responses measured. This perspective aligns closely with productivity and psychological wellness, advocating for a mental state that can handle anything with calm and clarity.
Want more Bruce Lee? The Marginalia has some great content about him that’s worth reading here. Or if you’re a real fan, you can order this book.
Mind Like Water: David Allen’s Interpretation
Both philosophies embrace the idea of adaptability and reacting to the environment around us. However, while Lee’s philosophy is holistic, encompassing mind, body, and spirit, Allen’s leans more into psychological wellness and productivity. Allen’s approach can be seen as an evolution of Lee’s idea, focusing on the mind’s power to shape our reality. However, it should not obscure the multifaceted depth of Lee’s original intent – a total alignment and fluidity of being.
Check out my conversation with David Allen at Running Remote 2023 here.
Which Quote is For You?
Which of these two quotes – Bruce Lee’s “be like water” or David Allen’s “mind like water” – resonates with you more in the context of managing your relationship with time and cultivating a sense of sustained productivity?
The beauty of Lee’s wisdom is its simplicity and its boundless depth, like water itself. Embrace the adaptable, responsive nature of water in your life – whether through Lee’s martial arts philosophy or Allen’s productivity approach.
By integrating these timeless philosophies, we can navigate life’s complexities with grace and resilience, achieving a harmonious balance that enhances both our productivity and our overall well-being.
