Be water, my friend

These words have influenced me for more than 4 decades, “Be water, my friend“.  In context, here is the specific passage.

Empty your mind.

Be formless, shapeless, like water.

You put water into a cup; it becomes the cup.

You put water into a teapot; it becomes the teapot.

You put water into a bottle; it becomes the bottle.

Now water can flow, or it can crash!

Be water, my friend.

– Bruce Lee