What do you think?
Rate this book
The Warrior Within: The Philosophies of Bruce Lee
During his lifetime, legendary martial artist Bruce Lee formulated a complex personal philosophy--a synthesis of Eastern and Western ideals--that extolled the virtues of knowledge and total mastery of one's self. However, most of his philosophical writings could be found only within the personal library of the Bruce Lee estate--until now. "The Warrior Within" is the most comprehensive volume of these teachings, meant to help you apply Lee's philosophies to your own life. This unique guide reveals such life-affirming secrets as:
Seeing the totality of life and putting things into perspective
Understanding the concept of Yin and Yang
Defeating adversity by adapting to circumstances
Tapping into inner spiritual forces to help shape the future
With a foreword by Linda Lee Cadwell and photographs and other memorabilia from Bruce Lee's short but celebrated life, "The Warrior Within" is an engrossing and easy-to-understand guide to the little-explored world of Bruce Lee. John Little has been identified as "one of the foremost authorities on Bruce Lee in the world" by "Black Belt" magazine. He edited a three-volume series for the Bruce Lee estate and has written articles for several publications, including "Men's Fitness, Official Karate," and "Inside Kung Fu."
Seeing the totality of life and putting things into perspective
Understanding the concept of Yin and Yang
Defeating adversity by adapting to circumstances
Tapping into inner spiritual forces to help shape the future
With a foreword by Linda Lee Cadwell and photographs and other memorabilia from Bruce Lee's short but celebrated life, "The Warrior Within" is an engrossing and easy-to-understand guide to the little-explored world of Bruce Lee. John Little has been identified as "one of the foremost authorities on Bruce Lee in the world" by "Black Belt" magazine. He edited a three-volume series for the Bruce Lee estate and has written articles for several publications, including "Men's Fitness, Official Karate," and "Inside Kung Fu."
240 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1996
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
May 28, 2012
I was studying buddhism a little before I began reading this book and find that Taoism is more of what I would like to understand more of due to it's similiarities of balance and harmony - like Navajo beliefs. This book was amazing! I loved all the things I read in each chapter, it was like a new life lesson each day and it was a great and clean feeling to open and explore these new ideas within reference to where I am at in my own life.
I especially enjoyed the last pages of the book in which it dissects the meaning (that bruce intended) for each movie he starred in, he made sure to bring in his philosophies to his characters and on-screen for the public to see.
We each have our own answers inside ourselves and the power to heal and be strong is all within. That is really what it is all about and being able to connect with your thoughts and not hide from them.
I really loved this book and will read again, and again and again.
I especially enjoyed the last pages of the book in which it dissects the meaning (that bruce intended) for each movie he starred in, he made sure to bring in his philosophies to his characters and on-screen for the public to see.
We each have our own answers inside ourselves and the power to heal and be strong is all within. That is really what it is all about and being able to connect with your thoughts and not hide from them.
I really loved this book and will read again, and again and again.
September 27, 2007
This book is a compilation of chicken-scratch notes left behind by Bruce Lee. When you read it, you understand why Lee did not make a book out of it himself. Many of the philosophies and lessons laid out are not fully elaborated or completely thought out. Many are on the border of being trite. From a skeptical point-of-view this book is only a superficially sincere tribute to Lee while it is more honestly a way to cash on having access to the left-over writings of a famous dead person.
November 10, 2020
Everyone knew who Bruce Lee was. No one would doubt that he was a martial artist of the highest level. There are things that many people do not know about Bruce. Most people on the street do not know that he founded the art of Jeet Kune Do . His movies were a vehicle for self expression and getting his point across. He was also a philosopher.
Bruce believed in formless form, being like water and adapting and fitting into every situation. It changed for based on it’s container. Adaptable as they say. One should compare the blade of grass to that of tree. If a strong wind blows then the solid tree will break but the blade of grass will bend and yield. You should. Do the same.
The key points of Bruce’s philosophy were daoism and Zen Buddhism. He believed that everything should be fluid and not fixed. The universe and the world are constantly changing and we should change with it. He never liked the fixed rigid ness of many martial arts. He felt they did nit adapt and change to meet with situation. There are lots of dead people who thought that their art could defend them against whatever. They were wrong. Bruce thought a gun was the best self defense.
Then what are the martial arts for . They could be used for self defense but they were a means of self expression. When one mastered whatever it was they were doing for self expression one could say they are a person of gung fu. Meaning they mastered whatever they were doing and perfected themselves. It could be martial art they were doing or dance or golf.
Sometimes people defended the art based on where it came from. Chinese people might like a style because it was Chinese. Someone may prefer karate because it is Japanese. This sort of cemented a certain racism. Martial arts should be learned based on useful they are not rejected because they are foreign.
Bruce used his movies to make a point. In Way of the Dragon he travels to Rome to help defend a resturaunt from some thugs. One of the workers refuses to learn karate because it is foreign. Bruce said learn it anyway. If it useful why not learn to use it.
No martial art has it all. Jiu Juitsu has ground fighting, the kwin do great kick, American boxing’s good punches. To be a good fighter one needs to be well rounded. The arts give you tools and the object is to be able to use those tools when the time is ready.
Take what is useful from any art and discard the rest. Be practical. The author had a chance to interview Brandon Lee , Bruce’s son, before he too died under strange circumstances. The author also had a letter sent to him from Bruce. You can learn a lot from Bruce Lee even if you are not a Martial Artist,
Bruce believed in formless form, being like water and adapting and fitting into every situation. It changed for based on it’s container. Adaptable as they say. One should compare the blade of grass to that of tree. If a strong wind blows then the solid tree will break but the blade of grass will bend and yield. You should. Do the same.
The key points of Bruce’s philosophy were daoism and Zen Buddhism. He believed that everything should be fluid and not fixed. The universe and the world are constantly changing and we should change with it. He never liked the fixed rigid ness of many martial arts. He felt they did nit adapt and change to meet with situation. There are lots of dead people who thought that their art could defend them against whatever. They were wrong. Bruce thought a gun was the best self defense.
Then what are the martial arts for . They could be used for self defense but they were a means of self expression. When one mastered whatever it was they were doing for self expression one could say they are a person of gung fu. Meaning they mastered whatever they were doing and perfected themselves. It could be martial art they were doing or dance or golf.
Sometimes people defended the art based on where it came from. Chinese people might like a style because it was Chinese. Someone may prefer karate because it is Japanese. This sort of cemented a certain racism. Martial arts should be learned based on useful they are not rejected because they are foreign.
Bruce used his movies to make a point. In Way of the Dragon he travels to Rome to help defend a resturaunt from some thugs. One of the workers refuses to learn karate because it is foreign. Bruce said learn it anyway. If it useful why not learn to use it.
No martial art has it all. Jiu Juitsu has ground fighting, the kwin do great kick, American boxing’s good punches. To be a good fighter one needs to be well rounded. The arts give you tools and the object is to be able to use those tools when the time is ready.
Take what is useful from any art and discard the rest. Be practical. The author had a chance to interview Brandon Lee , Bruce’s son, before he too died under strange circumstances. The author also had a letter sent to him from Bruce. You can learn a lot from Bruce Lee even if you are not a Martial Artist,
January 4, 2021
Bruce Lee Signposts on page 154
• If you love life, don’t waste time, for time is what life is made up of.
• To change with change is the changeless state.
• Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.
• If you don’t want to slip up tomorrow, speak the truth today.
• Liberating truth is a reality only in so far as it is experienced and lived by the individual himself, it is a truth that transcends styles or disciplines.
• True refinement seeks simplicity.
• Not being tense but ready. Not thinking but not dreaming. Not being set but flexible. Liberation from the uneasy sense of confinement. It is being wholly and quietly alive, aware and alert, ready for whatever may come.
• If you want to do your duty properly, you should do just a little more than that.
• A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.
• One great cause of failure is lack of concentration.
• Showing off is the fool’s idea of glory.
• Empty heads have long tongues.
• Self-education makes great men.
• Optimism is a faith that leads to success.
• Pessimism blunts the tools you need to succeed.
• It is the will that makes men – success takes perseverance.
• If you think a thing is impossible, you will make it impossible.
• Life is a constant process of relating.
• Man, because he is a creative individual, is far more important than any style or system.
• A good teacher protects his pupils from his own influence.
• If every man would help his neighbor, no man would be without help.
• Yesterday dreams are often tomorrow’s realities.
• If you love life, don’t waste time, for time is what life is made up of.
• To change with change is the changeless state.
• Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.
• If you don’t want to slip up tomorrow, speak the truth today.
• Liberating truth is a reality only in so far as it is experienced and lived by the individual himself, it is a truth that transcends styles or disciplines.
• True refinement seeks simplicity.
• Not being tense but ready. Not thinking but not dreaming. Not being set but flexible. Liberation from the uneasy sense of confinement. It is being wholly and quietly alive, aware and alert, ready for whatever may come.
• If you want to do your duty properly, you should do just a little more than that.
• A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.
• One great cause of failure is lack of concentration.
• Showing off is the fool’s idea of glory.
• Empty heads have long tongues.
• Self-education makes great men.
• Optimism is a faith that leads to success.
• Pessimism blunts the tools you need to succeed.
• It is the will that makes men – success takes perseverance.
• If you think a thing is impossible, you will make it impossible.
• Life is a constant process of relating.
• Man, because he is a creative individual, is far more important than any style or system.
• A good teacher protects his pupils from his own influence.
• If every man would help his neighbor, no man would be without help.
• Yesterday dreams are often tomorrow’s realities.
November 3, 2016
Bruce Lee was a philosopher, trying to explain taoism in practical use. This books tries to bring together Lee's notes and life insights into a coherent form, but a shorter format would suit it better. More punching less talking!
February 5, 2018
Amazing philosophical read on the philosophies of Bruce Lee. Often thought of as a martial artist, and/or actor, Lee was also a very deep thinker. We all can take away many lessons from reading this and apply it to our lives.
September 7, 2018
This is another one of those "got too many audiobooks and didn't finish them" gap books. It doesn't actually take months to read. So I started it and liked it and put it for it at the library again and had to wait four months.
Anyway, the only thing I didn't like about this book (the audiobook specifically) is that the narrator mimicked Bruce Lee's voice for reading the quotes. I felt it took away from the narrative. If they wanted to do something like that, why not just use sound clips of Bruce Lee?
The overall book and content were very well done. Upon completing this, I've added all of Bruce Lee's movies to my queue. I enjoyed the discussion of his philosophy as told through his martial art, family life, and acting career. He was an incredibly fascinating man and is worthy of greater study. I think that John Little did well by him in this biography.
Anyway, the only thing I didn't like about this book (the audiobook specifically) is that the narrator mimicked Bruce Lee's voice for reading the quotes. I felt it took away from the narrative. If they wanted to do something like that, why not just use sound clips of Bruce Lee?
The overall book and content were very well done. Upon completing this, I've added all of Bruce Lee's movies to my queue. I enjoyed the discussion of his philosophy as told through his martial art, family life, and acting career. He was an incredibly fascinating man and is worthy of greater study. I think that John Little did well by him in this biography.
January 1, 2018
This by far was one of the absolute best books one can read ! Bruce’s philosophies are jewels you can carry around and use... better yet, become every single day ! Author John Little does an excellent job of breaking down Lee’s messages that were given to him by many of the philosophers that Lee himself had studied ! This book is filled with so many interesting facts about Bruce Lee , but more importantly it’s filled with his way of being. The biggest concept in this book is based on one thing we all have.... Water. “Be like water “It’s such an interesting read and very valuable to keep on your book shelf! Thanks Bruce- RIP and John Little !
October 15, 2018
An Amazing tour Inside the Philosophies of Bruce Lee
A lot of people were influenced by Bruce Lee, and I was no exception. I have always learned from his movies but was more fascinating what I have learned from knowing OF him from documentaries, interviews, and books. He was truly a remarkable person.
The Warrior Within, gave a very comprehensive and easy tour inside the philosophies and pearls of wisdom of Bruce Lee, with some very interesting insights about his life, and the life of his family.
Highly recommended!
March 2, 2020
I've read all of John Little's view of Bruce Lee's teachings, and this book, the Warrior Within, is by far the most insightful and informative of them all. Bruce Lee was an intense and complex human being, philosopher, martial artist, actor, poet, and teacher, but one thing is for sure - he was gifted. John Little's Warrior Within translates Bruce Lee's teachings with rawness and elegancy. I read this book daily because it holds knowledge that everyone on Earth can learn from, should they seek to be a better human being looking for a harmonious and rewarding life.
March 18, 2020
Not what I expected, but for what it wants to be, I think it's very good. I was expecting this to be a self-help book on how to be as motivated and broad-minded as Bruce Lee. While it touches on that, this is a book about philosophy, especially Taoism and beyond, since Lee didn't want to be limited by any particular dogma. There's a little fanboying going on as well, but it doesn't overshadow the philosophizing. It's just enough to notice. I think someone who enjoys reading philosophy would enjoy this book, especially one who's also a Bruce Lee fan.
September 9, 2020
I listened to this as an audio book and loved it. Bruce Lee was such a thinker. Stripping back concepts to reveal the truth beneath.
I learnt that I must first empty my cup (mind)
In order to be able to fill it. Clear your mind of all thoughts and worries so it is empty and unburdened and free to then be available to be filled with opportunities.
Everything is joined. Something can be two different things and the same thing at the same time. Two sides of a coin are different but still a coin. Man and women are different but still people.
I learnt that I must first empty my cup (mind)
In order to be able to fill it. Clear your mind of all thoughts and worries so it is empty and unburdened and free to then be available to be filled with opportunities.
Everything is joined. Something can be two different things and the same thing at the same time. Two sides of a coin are different but still a coin. Man and women are different but still people.
February 14, 2018
An informative look at the philosophy of Bruce Lee, as seen through his personal writings as well as interviews with family and friends/students and a look at his movies (and how these reflected his beliefs). Recommended as a way to learn about, and be inspired by, a very inspirational man. This book would also be interesting to those interested in Eastern philosophy (and how it can be studied and practiced in a modern age).
February 6, 2020
Great biography from the leading authority on Bruce Lee, John Little. Details about his life, his exercise regiment and his writing and philosophy. Powerful, moving stories on concepts of eastern philosophy and religion, of which, I love to share with other people. I read it many years ago but I continually find myself going back to the book again and again.
July 27, 2017
What is it that set Bruce Lee apart from most of martial artists in his lifetime?
If you are like me curious about the answer to this question you may be happy having read this book
If you are like me curious about the answer to this question you may be happy having read this book
June 26, 2020
I read these books over and over for a reason. WORTH IT.
September 10, 2022
It is no wonder why so many people were magnetized to Bruce Lee, he had a source coming from within that I think is unique to some people to become leaders; unfortunately, geared to the wrong ultimate power. I believe certain people like him that had this grand potential and insight to certain wisdom are cut short because it can be misconstrued to other resources to power. I would include Bob Marley among these people. Bruce Lee definitely was a force beyond our imagination in his short-lived life and an inspiration that lives long generation after generation.
October 14, 2019
Great read
June 26, 2020
Absorb what is useful, reject what is is not, add what is uniquely your own.
There's a bit of irony that I just spent five minutes looking for the "correct" version of the above quote. The version I settled on is from this book, the heading to chapter 17, which is titled "In Your Own Process." There are many phrasings of this quintessential Bruce Lee aphorism. It is useless to track down the single "true" version. That would actually run antithetical to the whole philosophy behind the words.
There should only be tools to use as effectively as possible. The highest art is no art. The best form is no-form.
The essential nature of Bruce Lee's philosophies are centered around Taoism. I'm glad I already had a grasp on Taoism from reading several versions of the Tao Te Ching. But that isn't necessary to enjoy and educate yourself with this wonderful book. The author, John Little, does a fantastic job incorporating all the aspects of Bruce's thoughts into a cohesive whole. It's always fascinating, for me, to read how the principles of jeet kune do underpin every facet of living your life every day. I love that Bruce Lee can act as an accessible gateway to deeper understanding of all forms of art, not just martial art.
It is fitting that I finally got around to reading this book at the same time as the ESPN 30 For 30, Be Water, was released. Hopefully more people watch that documentary and seek out more of Bruce Lee's philosophy in addition to enjoying his films. This book will also help many people watch the films with a better understanding of what messages Bruce was trying to impart among all the on-screen violence.
This book of philosophy coupled with the biography Bruce Lee: A Life help provide a definitive look at every facet of Bruce Lee.
There's a short chapter devoted entirely to "leftover" thoughts. In that spirit, I will offer up some of my favorite Bruce Lee quotes.
Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.
Nothingness cannot be confine. Gentleness cannot be snapped.
Be soft, yet not yielding. Be firm, yet not hard.
Be water, my friend.
There's a bit of irony that I just spent five minutes looking for the "correct" version of the above quote. The version I settled on is from this book, the heading to chapter 17, which is titled "In Your Own Process." There are many phrasings of this quintessential Bruce Lee aphorism. It is useless to track down the single "true" version. That would actually run antithetical to the whole philosophy behind the words.
There should only be tools to use as effectively as possible. The highest art is no art. The best form is no-form.
The essential nature of Bruce Lee's philosophies are centered around Taoism. I'm glad I already had a grasp on Taoism from reading several versions of the Tao Te Ching. But that isn't necessary to enjoy and educate yourself with this wonderful book. The author, John Little, does a fantastic job incorporating all the aspects of Bruce's thoughts into a cohesive whole. It's always fascinating, for me, to read how the principles of jeet kune do underpin every facet of living your life every day. I love that Bruce Lee can act as an accessible gateway to deeper understanding of all forms of art, not just martial art.
It is fitting that I finally got around to reading this book at the same time as the ESPN 30 For 30, Be Water, was released. Hopefully more people watch that documentary and seek out more of Bruce Lee's philosophy in addition to enjoying his films. This book will also help many people watch the films with a better understanding of what messages Bruce was trying to impart among all the on-screen violence.
This book of philosophy coupled with the biography Bruce Lee: A Life help provide a definitive look at every facet of Bruce Lee.
There's a short chapter devoted entirely to "leftover" thoughts. In that spirit, I will offer up some of my favorite Bruce Lee quotes.
Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.
Nothingness cannot be confine. Gentleness cannot be snapped.
Be soft, yet not yielding. Be firm, yet not hard.
Be water, my friend.
December 13, 2019
Bruce Lee stands beside Muhammad Ali as one of my life's heroes. Like Ali, he continues to be a hero of mine, in terms of a philosophy of life that simply cuts through all dogma, whether it is by religion, race, color, or creed. This book captures all that is good about the iconic pugilist, allowing us to draw close to him as a man and as a teacher. Bruce was a destroyer of barriers. That he did it with ease was testimony to the peace he had inside himself; he was comfortable in his own skin in a society that regarded him as an alien. The book strives to teach us how to attain that peace for ourselves, reflecting Bruce's wishes for all of us. His movies were allegories of the truth lessons he wanted to impart to us. The rhythm of the book is such that one feels the bubbling enthusiasm Bruce had for the philosophical nuggets that were expressed in his movies. If there was anything fitting about his untimely death, perhaps it was that he died young, for Bruce represented the exuberance and the enthusiasm for life as a young person. Thus, forevermore we shall remember him young. The book thoroughly satisfies, like his movies. The feeling is similar to one I felt as the ending credits of The Chinese Connection scrolled up the screen. In that movie, Bruce's character, a thoroughly loyal student of a Chinese martial arts school, and a man of honor, paid for his deeds - the taking of life - with his own life, leaping into a spray of police bullets. As Bruce put it, the plot should never be to glorify wrong, like the taking of life. In another movie, Enter The Dragon, Bruce emphasized the embrace of principles from cultures different to ours - in this case, Japanese fight techniques. Versatility requires that we use whatever is at hand, in the face of adversity, and be grateful for it. His performance was so complete, so all-encompassing that the viewer did not mind the character's death. When you come to the end of this book, you will feel the same.
June 13, 2017
Brilliant man! His stamina for seeking the truth is a true inspiration along the lines of very few others. Along with Alan Watts, the Western Front gets a glimpse into the spiritual and natural connection the Orient has. A few chapters into this book I felt the overwhelming benefit becoming integrated into my day to day actions. Honestly, I feel like I need to now take a break from reading sci fi and and focus on spiritual enlightenment. Seeking the method of no method has traditionally been an approach that I have taken to my life and mode of happiness. Yet, now I revisit it through the thoughts and wisdoms of Lee.
This man is a titan amongst men, yet he treated men as titans alike.
I am truly a better man because of reading this. I highly suggest it to everyone not familiar with the wisdoms of the Orient and to people who need a refresher on what it means to be (even in this confusing time).
Peace be with you all. Be water my friends! Walk On!
This man is a titan amongst men, yet he treated men as titans alike.
I am truly a better man because of reading this. I highly suggest it to everyone not familiar with the wisdoms of the Orient and to people who need a refresher on what it means to be (even in this confusing time).
Peace be with you all. Be water my friends! Walk On!
December 16, 2020
Some interesting parts, very redundant overall if you've read much on Bruce Lee.
Although, this book came out earlier than most.
Little gives great insight into Bruce's philosophy but he paints Bruce to be a chill Zen type when he actually was a brash and impulsive person according to biographers.
It was alright but I'd rather recommend Matthew Polly's biography of Bruce Lee, it's got all the facts and no hype.
Although, this book came out earlier than most.
Little gives great insight into Bruce's philosophy but he paints Bruce to be a chill Zen type when he actually was a brash and impulsive person according to biographers.
It was alright but I'd rather recommend Matthew Polly's biography of Bruce Lee, it's got all the facts and no hype.
July 15, 2017
The Book is a good read and there are things to learn from it. Bruce Lee gives some great incites against conformity and allowing a person to flow freely. Towards the end you get the feeling the book should have ended a chapter or two ago but the author is trying to fill pages. NOT to give a away to much its worth a read.
December 17, 2018
I think I would have given this a higher review if I had gotten more Bruce Lee stories and less Bruce Lee philosophies. Right, right, I know the book's subtitle is "The Philosophies of Bruce Lee", I should have suspected it. Little ends up re-quoting the same few Bruce Lee sayings over and over again. I think it's a solid 2.5.
October 25, 2020
This book provides an insight into Bruce Lee's eastern philosophy on life. There were a few principals that I want to apply to my own life such as Be like bamboo that bends in the wind, rather than a rigid oak. Bamboo is flexible, bending with the wind but never breaking, capable of adapting to any circumstance. It suggests resilience.
September 7, 2016
I cringed every time the author mentioned something people in the West may not understand. Assuming your audience is not familiar with your subject is not a good way to reach them. I did like the concepts and some of the ideas portrayed in this book but the delivery could use some work.
June 18, 2017
Good, but not great and occasionally repetitive. However, worthwhile reading, perhaps slowly, a chapter at a time rather than all at once so it doesn't seem so redundant. I definitely enjoyed some chapters more than others, but found the overall book entertaining enough despite itself.
August 17, 2017
Great summary of Lee's ying and yang philosophy and how he applied the teachings of Tao, Buddhism, Alan Watts Kung Fu and other martial arts. Strong anti-fragile sub theme.
March 19, 2018
Changed my opinion on Bruce Lee... this book helped me a lot.
May 18, 2018
Few good ideas of Bruce covered in a lot of fluff from the author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews