The Book of Five Rings for Executives: Musashi's Classic Book of Competitive Tactics

by Donald G. Krause, Miyamoto Musashi

Used for centuries by Japanese businessmen and studied by many of Silicone Valley's warriors of today's wired world, The Book of Five Rings by samurai swordsman Miyamoto Musashi has provided a powerful, practical approach to achieving competitive dominance. Now, in The Book of Five Rings for Executives , Donald Krause has enriched and simplified the original material of this ancient classic of competitive tactics and strategy into a set of seven clearly defined and easily applied business principles.

Genres: Business, Management, Nonfiction

168 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Daniel Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

One night, walking with my wife and daughter in our neighborhood, we came upon a large pile of stuff put out by the street. I couldn't help but notice in one of the boxes some books, including this historical classic. Having rescued this from the garbage pile (not sure what to say about a culture that throws away books), I thought I would give it a read. This is written by a well known warrior from 17th century Japan, translated in the 20th century at the height of the Japanese management boom. As with many books that discuss the zen tradition, this one gives insight into how one can manage oneself for a better life and better outcomes. Now, Musashi was a well known swordsman of the time who was considered to have never lost any fight he entered. He tried to teach his methods to his followers and that is this book. The book includes specifics related to actual sword fighting, which is quite interesting, but its purpose for modern readers was his discussion on how a warrior is to train and handle oneself, much as the modern day business man should do. I found lots of great things in here, including this list written by Musashi himself: 1) Do not harbor sinister designs, 2) Diligently pursue your path 3) Cultivate a wide range of interests in the arts 4) Be knowledgeable in a variety of occupations 5) Be discreet regarding one's commercial dealings. 6) Nurture the ability to perceive the truth in all matters. 7) Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye. 8) Do not be negligent, even in trifling matters. 9) Do not engage in useless activity.
Wise words indeed from the 17th century.

[Roderick Saba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tactical

[John Sorensen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a book full of common-sense. Nothing really special here.