Miyamoto Musashi

& The Book of Five Rings

About the guy

Went

on a pilgrimage at around 16 Travelled around to hone his skills Participated in numerous wars Beat up quite a few bad guys Retired to a life of seclusion At the time of his death, he was not only a renowned swordsman, but also a master of calligraphy, arts, and literature.

About the book

The Book of Five Rings Written to his pupil few weeks before his death Consolidation of all his philosophy and knowledge of strategy and tactics Used as a textbook by West-Point Military School and Harvards Economic Faculty Comparable to other great works such as Sun Tzus Art of War and Machiavellis The Prince

Why this book?

Challenges

the views of his time

The superiority of certain dojos The mastery of other crafts beyond swordsmanship

Applicable

in areas other than combat and warfare

Some Examples
Application of strategies Timing Attitude

Application of Strategy
It

is important to see distant things as if they were close and to take a distanced view of close things

If you do not look at things on a large scale it will be difficult for you to master strategy.

Fixed

formation is bad

Timing
Everything

can collapse. Houses, bodies, and enemies collapse when their rhythm becomes deranged

Attitude
In

this world it is said, "One inch gives the hand advantage", but these are the idle words of one who does not know strategy. His basic principles

Become acquainted with every art. Know the Ways of all professions.

Attitude
Language

does not extend to explaining the Way in detail, but it can be grasped intuitively.

Do not just read, memorize or imitate, but so that you realize the principle from within your own heart study hard to absorb these things into your body. Comparison to craftsmen

Attitude
Whenever

you cross swords with an enemy you must not think of cutting him either strongly or weakly; just think of cutting and killing him. His basic principles

Do nothing which is of no use

His Principles

This is the Way for men who want to learn my strategy:

Do not think dishonestly. The Way is in training. Become acquainted with every art. Know the Ways of all professions. Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters. Develop intuitive judgment and understanding for everything. Perceive those things which cannot be seen. Pay attention even to trifles. Do nothing which is of no use.

The End
Bam.