"Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind"

In this quote, Bruce Lee is using the metaphor of trees to highlight the concept of adaptability and strength. He explains that the stiffest tree, which is unable to bend or sway with the wind, is the most susceptible to being cracked or broken. On the other hand, the bamboo or willow, which are understood for their versatility, have the ability to survive even the strongest winds by flexing and adapting to the altering conditions. Lee is recommending that in life, it is important to be versatile and open to change, instead of being rigid and inflexible. This allows us to weather any obstacles that come our way and eventually, flourish.