Miyamoto Musashi (1584–1645) was a legendary Japanese swordsman, strategist, philosopher, and writer. He is renowned for his undefeated record in 61 duels and is celebrated as one of the greatest samurai in Japanese history. Born in Harima Province, Musashi lived during the Sengoku (Warring States) and early Edo periods, a time of intense social and military upheaval.
Musashi’s life was defined by his quest for mastery in the art of war and strategy. He developed the “Niten Ichi-ryū” (Two Heavens as One) style of swordsmanship, emphasizing the use of both the katana and wakizashi simultaneously. Beyond his martial prowess, Musashi was a profound thinker, artist, and author. His most famous work, The Book of Five Rings (Go Rin no Sho), is a treatise on strategy, applicable to combat, business, and personal development.
Musashi was also known for his ascetic lifestyle, deep introspection, and a philosophy that emphasized discipline, self-reliance, and continuous improvement.
Contents
Wise Quotes
“Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.”
“Do not let your mind be clouded by ordinary thoughts.”
“You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain.”
“Do not fear death; only the unlived life.”
“Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.”
“The path is the same for all who walk it.”
“In strategy, it is important to see distant things as if they were close and to take a distanced view of close things.”
“Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.”
“Do not waste time idling or thinking after you have set your goals.”
“Step by step, walk the thousand-mile road.”
“Do not regret what you have done.”
“Accept everything just the way it is.”
“Today is victory over yourself of yesterday; tomorrow is your victory over lesser men.”
“Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.”
“Do not pursue the taste of good food.”
“Do not hold onto possessions you no longer need.”
“You can only fight the way you practice.”
“From one thing, know ten thousand things.”
“The spirit of the thing is what determines the outcome.”
“Do not act following customary beliefs.”
“Study strategy over the years, and achieve the spirit of the warrior.”
“It is difficult to understand the universe if you only study one planet.”
“Whatever your determination or willpower, you will never know your limits unless you push yourself to them.”
“Do nothing that is of no use.”
“Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.”
“You must train day and night to master your way.”
“Pay attention even to trifles.”
“The important thing in strategy is to suppress the enemy’s useful actions but allow his useless actions.”
“Know the smallest things and the biggest things, the shallowest things and the deepest things.”
“Do not rely on partial feelings.”
“Control your anger; if you hold anger towards others, they have control over you.”
“When you cannot be deceived by men, you will have realized the wisdom of strategy.”
“It is necessary to know ten thousand things by knowing one well.”
“The way is in training.”
“Do not be in a hurry to develop skill.”
“Even the smallest of things has meaning.”
“Know the difference between stubbornness and determination.”
“When your spirit is not in the least clouded, all things become your teacher.”
“Strategy is the craft of the warrior.”
“Perception is strong and sight weak.”
“Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.”
“Truth is not what you want it to be; it is what it is, and you must bend to its power or live a lie.”
“Do not under any circumstances depend on a partial feeling.”
“Polish your spirit daily.”
“If you know the way broadly, you will see it in all things.”
“To know ten thousand things, know one.”
“You should not have a favorite weapon.”
“Do not think dishonestly.”
“With your spirit settled, accumulate practice upon practice, and polish the twofold spirit and the will.”
These quotes embody Musashi’s profound understanding of life, strategy, and the human spirit. His teachings continue to inspire and guide people in various fields worldwide.