Unlocking the Power of Perspective: The Keanu Reeves Approach

Gene Crawford
3 min readOct 3, 2023

--

Judo Philosophy for a Balanced Life

In the realm of life’s philosophies, where conversations ebb and flow like the tides, Keanu Reeves, the enigmatic actor with a penchant for profound wisdom, once shared a sentiment that has resonates deeply with me:

“I’m at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you’re right — have fun.”

In these words, Keanu encapsulates the essence of embracing a life devoid of needless conflict, a concept that transcends the boundaries of discussions and extends to the very fabric of our existence.

Keanu Reeves is not only celebrated for his remarkable acting skills but also for his dedication to martial arts, a passion that has shone brightly through his iconic roles in “The Matrix” and “John Wick.” As a well-known martial arts practitioner, he has not only entertained audiences with his on-screen combat prowess but has also embodied the principles of discipline, focus, and resilience that martial arts instill. In many ways, Keanu Reeves has seamlessly integrated the philosophies of martial arts into his own life, making him a source of inspiration for those seeking a path to balance and self-discovery, much like the art of Judo.

The Beauty of Subjectivity

In a world often defined by absolutes and certainties, he invites us to dance with the beauty of subjectivity. Life is a kaleidoscope of experiences, and what may seem like an irrefutable fact to one person may be a mere facet of someone else’s intricate reality. Do you really need to get in between that with someone who doesn’t make a huge difference in your life?

The Humility of Uncertainty

Embracing diverse perspectives and not finding the need to inject our own into their story carries with it a profound sense of humility. It reminds us that our understanding of the world is finite, and there’s always room for growth. By acknowledging that 1+1 can equal 5 in someone else’s narrative, we open ourselves up to a world of learning and unlearning or at least less anxiety in their judgement of our own.

The Art of Empathy

Walking in someone else’s shoes, even if they lead to the most unconventional destinations, fosters empathy. It allows us to connect on a deeper level, transcending the barriers of judgment and prejudice. In a world marked by division, empathy becomes a bridge to understanding. In the very least a display of empathy to another can lead to a less intense interaction.

Navigating Relationships

In the realm of human relationships, the ability to respect and understand differing viewpoints is invaluable. It can transform conflicts into constructive dialogues and strengthen the bonds we share with others. Do you really need to fight? Keep the perspective of the relationship front and center.

Personal Growth

As individuals, our personal growth is intricately linked to our openness to new ideas and perspectives. By staying out of needless discussions, as Keanu suggests, we free ourselves from the constraints of ego and allow our minds to flourish.

No Need for Defense

Keanu Reeves’ words serve as a poignant reminder of the value of diverse perspectives in our lives, both offline and online. As we navigate the intricate tapestry of human existence, let us embrace the paradox that sometimes, even when 1+1 equals 5, we can all have our own unique viewpoint and not live with a need to defend it constantly.

Free

Distraction-free reading. No ads.

Organize your knowledge with lists and highlights.

Tell your story. Find your audience.

Membership

Read member-only stories

Support writers you read most

Earn money for your writing

Listen to audio narrations

Read offline with the Medium app

--

--

Gene Crawford
Gene Crawford

Written by Gene Crawford

Sensei, Blackbelt in Karate, CrossFit, BJJ Practitioner. Gym Owner at Warrior Fitness. Co-founder of SOCO & Period Three a web design firm.

No responses yet

Write a response