Bruce Lee: Letters of the Dragon: An Anthology of Bruce Lee's Correspondence with Family, Friends, and Fans 1958-1973

by Bruce Lee, John Little

A highly personal collection of letters, these writings span Lee's life from high school until the year of his death.

Genres: Philosophy, Biography, Martial Arts, Nonfiction, History, Spirituality, Biography Memoir

256 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 1998

About the author

Bruce Lee was an American-born martial artist, philosopher, instructor, martial arts actor and the founder of the Jeet Kune Do martial arts system, widely regarded as the most influential martial artist of the 20th century and a cultural icon. He was the father of actor Brandon Lee and of actress Shannon Lee.

Reviews

[Tito · Rating 4 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from the library because George Mumford references it in his book, the Mindful Athlete. You can’t give it a rating in terms of how good the book is because it IS a collection of Bruce Lee’s letters. Was it a page turner? Was every letter interesting? No and no. But what the letters give is an insight to Bruce Lee’s way of thinking, his love for his family and friends, and his passion for life.

Before I decided to check out this book, I had gone down the rabbit hole watching Bruce Lee’s videos. He is a master in movement, and I think you could learn a thing or two from this book or watching him if you are an athlete. He emphasizes fluidity and to fight without fighting—to respond, not react. In some of his letters, he breaks down movement, sometimes with detailed drawings. He was incredibly mindful. (Check out his video of his one inch punch and his six inch punch!)

Secondly, the letters show how very humanizing Bruce Lee was. He cared a lot about his family, his friends, and his students. And to read his intimate, genuine expressions that were meant for private eyes will probably make everyone find him endearing.

I don’t think I would recommend this book for everyone. But if you are at all interested in his life and words of wisdom, then this is worth the read. He’s got a ton of good pep talks.

Here are some of my favorite quotes:
“It is not what happens in our life that is important, it’s how we react to what happens.”
“To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion, to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never”
“A rectified mind is a mind immune to emotional influences—free from fear, anger, sorrow, anxiety, and even fond attachment—when the mind is not present, we look and do not see; we hear and do not understand; we eat and do not know the taste of what we eat.”

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

These letters (written to friends and students) weave a narrative of a good man behind the disciplined genius of Bruce Lee. He applies his deep understanding of Taoist and Zen philosophy in his teachings of martial arts and in doing so raises the threshold of mastering the craft.

Bruce Lee's body and mind speak a single cohesive language, transcending knowledge and understanding to a level of clarity that as his students we can only hope to attain.

[Joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruce Lee previously just stroke me as an international kung fu grand master. When I introduce myself to foreigners, more often than not, they exclaimed, "Ah, Hong Kong, Bruce Lee, Jacky Chan, so do you know Kung Fu?" I had thought it amusing. After reading the book, I am proud that people associate Hong Kong with Bruce Lee, who possessed profundity unbeknownst to me.

Discipline: Despite his schedule of filming and teaching, he is adamant of practicing two hours per day, even the most basic forms.

Desire to innovate: He learnt different sorts of martial art, grasped their essence, identified the shortcomings of each, assimilated his knowledge and imagination to create his own form.

Unreserved sharing: He took much pleasure in sharing kung fu with his fellows. He wrote detailed notes to students, proactively advised them and opened schools.

Deep caring: He wrote wholehearted letters to friends and wife. I was very touched by his caring thoughts. It would be such a privileged having known him.

Last but not least, Bruce Lee was a handsome young man. I hope this legacy would last for a long time to come.

[Javier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es muy interesante como documento sobre el personaje, aunque se hace pesadillo a veces pues abundan los detalles mundanos (encargos, viajes rutinarios, referencias a personajes sin interés y otras cosas repititivas). Tiene sus puntos álgidos, cuando da ánimos a sus amigos o cuando habla sobre la forma de enfrentarse a la vida. Son interesantes sobre todo porque, recordemos, no se trata de entrevistas ni de un libro escrito por él, sino de sus cartas personales a amigos y familiares, lo que lo hace muy valioso.

Por una parte, me quedo con la admiración hacia un hombre siempre en actitud positiva, con una capacidad de esfuerzo y trabajo tremenda, aderezada con una confianza en si mismo pocas veces vista.

Por otra parte, a lo largo del libro te recorre una cierta sensación de estar invadiendo una intimidad que no debiera haber sido revelada (aún sabiendo que habrá muchas cartas más íntimas que no habrán salido a la luz).

[NON · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I write that will do this magnificent book its justice? This one is a life-changing book. What is stunning about Bruce Lee's corresponding is not only we get to peak into his life and mind but we get to read how empowering he was to his friends/students. He was truly a teacher...the master. His letters are thought-provoking, honest and reflective. I thank John Little for his great editing. The way he presented each letter in order and importance is extraordinary. I don't want to sound thoughtless but the fact that Bruce Lee had no money to make long-distance phone calls so he had to write them letters to correspond is fortunate for me, for all of us.
This book must be read over and over again.

[Mariano Abilleira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruce was so much more than the flashy martial artist and charming actor that pop culture makes us believe. Although this biographic compilation is profoundly personal, to the point of being mundane on certain sections, it does give us a glimpse on his perspective on life; shows us a much less idolised, more real version of the man.

Would recommend it to anyone; interested or not in martial arts.

[Pekka Huhtala · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title says it all. A collection of Lee's letters, painting a picture of a man working hard towards his goals. Letters also reveal the kind and loving side of his. Some letters include fascinating descriptions of life and martial arts. Most certainly this will affect my writing.

Read if you are interested. Easy to read in small doses.

[David Schneider]

Great insight into an Icon

[Piper Winchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.
It's nice to look into the mind of Bruce and see how he wrote and talked to people.
Re-reading again in the future

[P.S. Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look inside the life of Bruce Lee through letters collected throughout a life that was way too short and still mysterious to this day.

[Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-have book for every person interested in knowing a part of Lee. I enjoyed it immensely and it left me with so much endearment.

[Paul Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another in the series of books on Lee that show another side than just the physical and the cinematic. Today of course, with text and email, facetime and skype none of this would be available, which lends and even greater value to the words and feelings expressed in these letters.

We not only get to hear him express himself, but we hear the first inklings of the philosophy that he later came to embody as he advises James Coburn or James Lee on their training or when trying to relate to the machinery that was Hollywood of the early 70's.

I was left with an impression of a man that struggled to the very end, not just for fame or recognition, but for truth, equality and opportunity. A man who's enemies were less the resentful martial arts community that saw him teaching foreigners, but rather the motor of western business - with its myopia and racial preferences - that refused to take seriously the man they had in front of them. Until of course, it was too late.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bruce Lee was the perfect guy in the perfect place and time: martial arts expert, actor, action- and success-oriented, and so on into a world ready to turn the traditional martial arts into the efficient and modern Mixed Martial Arts and to incorporate them into the action- and hero-oriented American movies. The best parts are his reflections on how to transform different aspects of the old and ritualistic martial arts into efficient and coherent modern martial arts. His philosophical musings - especially after he started to become a superstar - are rather silly. Nevertheless, it is impressive how much he accomplished given that he died when he was just 32 years old.

[Clifton Lott Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

2 for 2!

So I've read Letters of the Dragon and Striking Thoughts.

Both are very dope books, each book being quite a different read... and in that note I plan on reading the entire library!

I've gained much perspective on life from reading the Little Dragon's works, thank heaven for y'all Lee family putting these volumes together!

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential for hardcore Bruce Lee fans. So many nuggets of gold in here, written in Bruce’s own words.

[Jacob Acosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The energy from within and the physical strength from your body can guide you toward accomplishing your purpose in life—and to actually act on actualizing your duty to yourself.”

— Bruce Lee

[Neil Crowle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is what the title says - an extensive collection of the letters written by Bruce Lee. It was an interesting insight into who the man was and contained some of his philosophy and poems.

[Eduardo Chavez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Algunas interesantes pero solo son cartas ... No lo recomiendo tanto quizás haya otro libro mejor.

[Ricky Hepburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this at least once per year.

[Keshaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book includes too many personal insights. I had hoped to find more about his workstyle; maybe I had wrong expectations.

[Richard Eckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book giving Bruce Lee's thoughts as he grew as a martial artist and celebrity