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About this quote

What does it mean?
Practical skill is gained through direct action, not just mental preparation.
In plain terms
You learn to swim by getting in the water, not thinking about it.
What can you take from it?
Take action to learn skills; thinking alone is not enough.

Where it applies

  • learning sports
  • starting a business
  • overcoming fear

Putting it to work

  • taking first steps
  • practicing directly
  • valuing experience over theory

Questions to consider

  • What skill are you theorizing about?
  • Are you waiting too much to start?

Another view

It dismisses the value of mental preparation entirely.

More from Bruce Lee

  1. A fight is not won by one punch or kick. Either learn to endure or hire a bodyguard.

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  2. To hell with circumstances. I create opportunities.

    Permalink to quote #78
  3. All types of knowledge, ultimately self knowledge.

    Permalink to quote #75

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