The Five Rings: Miyamoto Musashi's Art of Strategy (Prometheus Classics)

by Miyamoto Musashi

it is difficult for large numbers of men to change position, so their movements can be easily predicted. An individual can easily change his mind, so his movements are difficult to predict. You must appreciate this.

It is difficult to know yourself if you do not know others.

This is a truth: when you sacrifice your life, you must make fullest use of your weaponry. It is false not to do so, and to die with a weapon yet undrawn.

if you know the Way broadly you will see it in everything.

1. Do not think dishonestly. 2. The Way is in training. 3. Become acquainted with every art. 4. Know the Ways of all professions. 5. Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters. 6. Develop intuitive judgement and understanding for everything. 7. Perceive those things which cannot be seen. 8. Pay attention even to trifles. 9. Do nothing which is of no use.

with sufficient training you will be able to beat ten men with your spirit.

Even when your spirit is calm do not let your body relax, and when your body is relaxed do not let your spirit slacken.

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

When you take up a sword, you must feel intent on cutting the enemy.

Step by step walk the thousand-mile road. Study strategy over the years and achieve the spirit of the warrior. Today is victory over yourself of yesterday; tomorrow is your victory over lesser men.