In Japan, the professional class of warriors, also known as samurai gained prominence when feudalism was introduced. A samurai is a man of action, and for their intellectual training, they studied mainly philosophy and literature. They also studied fencing, archery, calligraphy, jiujutsu, horsemanship, use of a spear, tactics, ethics and history.
Though I would not recommend The Way of the Samurai by Inazo Nitobe for my readers because it’s a bit dense and I didn’t appreciate some of the imagery, I have picked out some interesting quotations for you.
Related Post: The Book of Five Rings Review
The Samurai Way
Honor: Samurai Philosophy of Life
&
7 Interesting Quotations from The Way of the Samurai
by Inazo Nitobe
by
- Know thyself: But self-knowledge does not imply knowledge of the physical part of man, not his anatomy or his psycho-physics; knowledge was to be a moral kind, the introspection of our moral nature.
- Knowledge becomes useful when it’s assimilated in the mind of the learner and shows in his character.
- Courage is doing what is right….Tranquility is courage in repose. A truly brave man is ever serene; he is never taken by surprise; nothing ruffles the equanimity of his spirit.
- If there is anything to do, there is certainly a best way to do it, and the best way is both the most economical and the most graceful….gracefulness means economy of force.
- Sincerity is the end and the beginning of all things; without sincerity there would be nothing.
- Shame is the soil of all Virtue, of good manners and good morals.
- Anger at a petty offence is unworthy of a superior man, but indignation for a great cause is righteous wrath.
Whenever you read a book, you do not have to agree with everything. Pay attention to the portions that work for you, discarding the rest. I didn't enjoy the Way of the Samurai, but I appreciated the nuggets of wisdom that I found.
