The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists

Meaning: Flexibility and adaptability are greater strengths than rigid resistance.

Origin: Japanese proverb rooted in Taoist and Zen philosophy on yielding strength.

Translations

• French: Le bambou qui se plie est plus fort que le chêne qui résiste (literally: The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists)
• Spanish: El bambú que se dobla es más fuerte que el roble que resiste (literally: The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists)
• Japanese: 曲がる竹は折れないが、抵抗する樫は折れる (Magaru take wa orenai ga, teikō suru kashi wa oreru) (literally: Bending bamboo doesn't break, but the resisting oak does)

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