“If you always put limit on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.”
- November 27, 1940 – July 20, 1973
- Hong Kong-American
- Martial Artist, Actor, Director, Philosopher, Founder of Jeet Kune Do
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Quote
“If you always put limit on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.”
Explanation
This quote is a powerful assertion against self-imposed limitations. Bruce Lee warns that when we set boundaries—whether physical, mental, or emotional—they can become habits that permeate every aspect of our lives, from our ambitions to our everyday routines. He suggests that limits are not real barriers, but mental constructs that restrict growth and potential.
The historical context of this quote ties back to Lee’s personal journey as a martial artist and philosopher. He constantly challenged the limits of traditional styles, pushing his body and mind to explore beyond standard forms of combat. When faced with injury or discrimination, he did not settle; instead, he viewed each setback as a plateau, a temporary state that could be surpassed with effort and insight. His philosophy rejected stagnation and demanded constant evolution.
In the modern world, this idea applies across disciplines—from athletics and education to innovation and personal development. Plateaus are common: a writer stuck on a draft, a business stalling in growth, an athlete hitting a performance wall. Lee’s message is that these are not ends, but pauses. To progress, one must recognize the plateau, not be satisfied with it, and push forward through discipline, adaptation, and belief in boundless potential.
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