Skip to content

I wish neither to possess nor to be possessed. I no longer…

“I wish neither to possess nor to be possessed. I no longer covet 'paradise'. More important, I no longer fear 'hell'. The medicine for my suffering I had within me from the very beginning but I did not take it. My ailment came from within myself, but I did not observe it, until this moment. Now I…” quote by Bruce Lee
Download Open image
“I wish neither to possess nor to be possessed. I no longer covet 'paradise'. More important, I no longer fear 'hell'. The medicine for my suffering I had within me from the very beginning but I did not take it. My ailment came from within myself, but I did not observe it, until this moment. Now I see that I will never find the light unless, like the candle, I am my own fuel, consuming myself.”

Bruce Lee

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

True freedom comes from inner self‑reliance, letting go of desire and fear.

In simple terms: Let go of wants and fears, find inner strength.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate inner resources, stop seeking external validation.

Themes

philosophy self‑reliance spirituality

Mood

contemplative inspirational

Type

philosophical spiritual

When to use this quote

  • personal crisis
  • meditation practice
  • creative work

Key Concepts

mindfulness inner healing autonomy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What inner belief holds you back?
  • How can you nurture self‑fuel?
A Different Perspective

Inner change can be difficult without external guidance.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Bruce Lee

Explore all 562 Bruce Lee quotes

More Candle quotes

Browse all 1,033 Candle quotes