Book Review: Be Water, My Friend

Continuing with my bi-weekly book reviews, I had the chance to read ‘Be Water, My Friend’ by Shannon Lee. The author is the daughter of renowned martial artist Bruce Lee. Given that Bruce Lee is one of my idols due to the philosophical insights into daily living and awesome kung fu skills, I had to get my hands on this book.

Lee does a great job of going into detail about her father’s overall standards for living, and how he practiced philosophy to guide his decision-making and break through obstacles and challenges in life. Bruce Lee died at the age of 32, which is quite remarkable how much he was able to accomplish in such a short time. From opening several kung fu gyms, becoming a world renowned actor, and creating his very own martial art that still lives to this day, there is much to learn from this man.

The term ‘Be Water, My Friend’ is a said that Bruce Lee said quite often, referring to rolling with the punches and adapting to life’s challenges. To quote Bruce Lee from an interview in the 70’s, “You must be shapeless, formless, like water. When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup. When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Water can drip and it can crash. Become like water my friend.”

This insight is great to incorporate into your life when resisting change or trying to force things don’t seem to working. As I always like to say, “Adapt or die”. Bruce Lee had a more elegant way with words, and I will be studying his philosophy going forward. Definitely a book worth checking out.