#102 The Intelligent Mind
“An intelligent mind is an inquiring mind. It is not satisfied with explanations, with conclusions; nor is it a mind that believes, because belief is again another form of conclusion. An intelligent mind is one which is constantly learning, never concluding – styles and patterns have come to conclusion, therefore they have ceased to be intelligent.”
Bruce Lee trained his mind as diligently as he trained his body. An intelligent mind is a curious mind that is constantly learning.
“Knowledge is the past; learning is the present.”
In the past, memorizing facts was what was considered intelligent and not everyone had access to educational resources. Now, we have computers, the internet, and smart phones that give us wide access to information, so having an intelligent mind is about how we use that access to information.
“Not “what” to think but “how” to think.”
There are all kinds of intelligence, not just intelligence based on how much you know or how many facts you can recall.
“Intelligence is the understanding of self.”
“Intelligence is sometimes defined as the capacity of the individual to adjust himself successfully to his environment, or to adjust the environment to his needs.”
The intelligence of understanding yourself is challenging. It requires you to look deeply at both the good and the bad.
Sometimes people show a performance of intelligence through eloquent words and fact recall, but have no understanding of their self. These people tend to rely on using other people’s words and quotes in everyday conversations, instead of voicing their own thoughts and words. If you are only using other people’s words without putting them into practice, then you are living a performance.
It is good to use quotes from inspirational people such as Bruce Lee, but you should not use them in a superficial way.
“Learning is discovery. The best way of learning is not the computation of information, but discovering and uncovering what there is in us – our own abilities, our own eyes, in order to find our potential.”
Bruce Lee held the belief that self-education makes a great person and to use your mind instead of being used by your mind.
The intelligent mind is the mind that we are using. It is important that your mind and your outward expression be as in line as possible. When the words do not match the actions, there is a feeling of inauthenticity that is felt by you and everyone you are in relationship with.
With an intelligent mind it is important to notice and be open to feedback you receive from your environment and relationships.
“Life is something for which there is no answer. It must be understood from moment to moment.”
If you make the shift from a fixed mind to a curious mind, then you can invite discussion instead if shutting down discussion.
A conditioned mind is not a free mind.
“Real freedom is the outcome of intelligence.”
If you are adaptable, if you are always learning and present, then the ability to be more free comes from that.
Understanding yourself is difficult because examining your self and looking within can be painful. Use what is going on inside yourself to fuel your curiosity.
The study of imperfection can perfectly lead you to a more free existence.
If you saw Bruce Lee walk into a room, he was fluid, real, present, and alive in his mind. The intelligent mind is an alive mind, a mind that is actively engaged.
“You have to raise your mind up to absolute awareness.”
Conversing and engaging with new people can be difficult, especially now when we can go on our phones and use that isolated activity as a shield in social situations. Mindfully entering a new space requires awareness and conversing with people in a meaningful way requires being fully present and engaged.
“If you learn concepts and information, then you don’t understand. You only explain. When a man thinks, he stands off from what he is trying to understand.”
“Drop and dissolve inner blockage.”
“A concentrated mind is not an attentive mind, but a mind that is in a state of open awareness can concentrate. We are concerned with the total process of living, and to concentrate exclusively on any particular aspect of life, belittles life.”
Sometimes a concentrated mind is needed in order to solve a specific problem, but the mistake is to bring the concentrated mind into all situations, instead then you need an attentive mind. You can concentrate and be open and aware of your surroundings at the same time.
“The thought of a distracted mind cannot be sincere. Sincere thought means thought of quiet awareness.”
When your mind is distracted you cannot be fully sincere or fully engaged with what is happening.
“What is” is more important than what should be. Too many people are looking at “what is” from a position of thinking “what should be”.”
Often we become preoccupied with thoughts about what we would like a situation or person to be, and miss what is actually happening or who that person actually is. Let people be who they are, and just observe, learn and be curious.
“When you are awake, you must be fully awake and conscious about everything. This is a wonderful mental exercise.”
“The important thing is to be alert, to question, to find out, so that your own initiative may be awakened.”
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We get many emails requesting advice with “What would Bruce Lee do?” and would like to start a “What would Bruce Lee do?” section of the podcast where Shannon and Sharon respond to your emails for advice. If you need advice and are wondering, “What would Bruce Lee do?” write to us at hello@brucelee.com
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