Be Water, My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee (1940–73) is known worldwide as a visionary martial artist and philosopher. If anyone can be considered an expert on Lee, it would be his daughter, Shannon. In this short book, with a title based on one of his famous quotes, she details the major aspects of the philosophy he imparted throughout his short life. In essence, Bruce Lee believed that if one allows oneself to flow with each situation in life, that person will be more at peace. She continues to expand on some of his personal philosophies, including being mindful, to choose awareness, and being cautious of the dangers of neutrality. Similar to her dad, she urges readers to take action and choose clarity when facing difficult decisions, even if it means starting with small steps to achieve a desired goal. The author talks openly about her own difficulties in life, including her food addiction which started at her father’s funeral when she was four, and her struggles finding her purpose in life. Chapters such as “The Eternal Student” contain sub-categories delving further into Bruce’s quotations and beliefs.