Bruce Lee’s philosophies have inspired millions of people the world over. He was a diligent journaler and made copious notes on his thoughts and ideas on how to live life to its fullest as well as on his martial expression. Bruce Lee also lived his philosophies believing that philosophies are meant to be applied not just pondered. Though his philosophies are numerous, there are several that are core to his outlook on life and martial arts. (see below) Many books on his philosophical thoughts and the inspirational way he lived his life have been published posthumously. 

Be Water, My Friend.
Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless, like water. You put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle. You put it into a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.

Using no way as way; having no limitation as limitation

Always be yourself; express yourself; have faith in yourself.
When I look around, I always learn something and that is to be always yourself, and to express yourself, to have faith in yourself. Do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it. Start from the very root of your being, which is “how can I be me?”

Under the sky, under the heavens, there is but one family.

Be a practical dreamer backed by action.

To change with change is the changeless state.

Research your own experience. Absorb what is useful Reject what is useless. Add what is essentially your own.

Walk on!
The years between the Green Hornet and the Hong Kong films were often difficult for Bruce Lee. In Hollywood he wasn’t getting offered the roles he felt he deserved, he struggled to support his family and he injured his back very seriously and was told that he would never be able to do martial arts again. He turned to many self-help books during this time for inspiration. One day, he took one of his business cards and wrote the words “Walk On!” on the back and placed it where he could see it as a constant reminder to always keep moving forward. With this as his mantra, Bruce Lee worked himself back into physical health and used this time to write about down his many thoughts on marital arts and life resulting in the writings we now have today. When life gives you obstacles, you must summon the courage and walk on!