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To reach the masses, some sort of big organization (whether) domestic and foreign branch affiliation, is not necessary. To reach the growing number of students, some sort of pre-conformed set must be established as standards for the branch to follow. As a result all members will be conditioned according to the prescribed system. Many will probably end up as a prisoner of a systematized drill.

Bruce Lee#168

FreedomEducationOrganizationSystem

About this quote

What does it mean?
Large systems can standardize training but may limit individual freedom.
In plain terms
Standard systems can limit personal growth.
What can you take from it?
Avoid becoming trapped by rigid systems.

Where it applies

  • building schools
  • teaching methods
  • organizational growth

Putting it to work

  • balance structure with flexibility
  • avoid blind obedience
  • maintain individuality

Questions to consider

  • Does your system limit creativity?

Another view

Some structure is necessary for teaching large groups.

More from Bruce Lee

  1. To me, the extraordinary aspect of martial arts lies in its simplicity. The easy way is also the right way, and martial arts is nothing at all special; the clo…

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  2. To see a thing uncoloured by one's own personal preferences and desires is to see it in its own pristine simplicity.

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  3. To me totality is very important in sparring. Many styles claim this totality. They say that they can cope with all types of attacks; that their structures cov…

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