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3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
Who knew a martial-arts handbook, intended for swordsmen of the 17th century, could have a broad appeal philosophically?
Book written by a samurai named Miyamoto Musashi who killed over sixty men in one vs one combat (with a sword). Interesting to read his personal philosophy about killing, the arts, strategy, and life in general. According to the back of the book he integrated the philosophies of Buddhism, Shintoism, Confucianism, and Taoism.
A little repetitive but interesting nonetheless. There are a lot of great quotes.
QUOTES:
"Following rules only permits development up to a point in technique; to advance further the student and artist must learn and seek other knowledge."
"You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain."
"The purpose of today's training is to defeat yesterday's understanding."
"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."
"Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye."
"All men are the same except for their belief in their own selves, regardless of what others may think of them."
A little repetitive but interesting nonetheless. There are a lot of great quotes.
QUOTES:
"Following rules only permits development up to a point in technique; to advance further the student and artist must learn and seek other knowledge."
"You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain."
"The purpose of today's training is to defeat yesterday's understanding."
"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."
"Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye."
"All men are the same except for their belief in their own selves, regardless of what others may think of them."
“Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world”
I am so happy that I was told to read the Art of War before A Book of Five Rings because it helped me understand what this book was all about.
A Book of Five Rings, written by Miyamoto Musashi an expert Japanese swordsman back in the 16th and 17th century. Throughout this book, Musashi lays out in plain language an idea he calls 'The Way.' The purpose of this 'Way' is simple, to ignore all pomp, circumstance, distractions, grandiose displays of prowess and close with the enemy and kill them. Swiftly, without rancor, without a second thought.
In regards to another quote "Do nothing which is of no use", he explains that whether this enemy is a real live one, a competitor, or an obstacle/struggle within your own life, the point is to take control through practice, hard work, perseverance, study, and master that which opposes you through any means necessary.
Study, consider, train, examine, observe. The list goes on. This book is a practical guide to life, whether you are in the military or a business person or just an average joe looking to get a handle on life.
I enjoy the difference between the books, as Sun Tzu really focused on the fact that it is better not to fight than to be involved in a conflict, while Miyamoto was the complete opposite, indicating that you must do whatever you can to throw your opponent off balance, onto their weak hand, blind them, use every advantage you know to utterly remove them from the equation. If you can accept this, you'll never fear a thousand fights. However, one similarity between the two is Sun Tzu believed that if you do have to fight in any point of your life, then you have to do it to win, and these are the various strategies, often brutal, that will get you that result, and in order to do that you must know who your enemy is.
Do I believe in what Miyamoto believes in fully, no, not everything, I am more of a Sun Tzu enthusiast, however, I will admit some of the things he did talk about was interesting to read and trying to fully understand his point of view.
7 down, 33 to go.
I am so happy that I was told to read the Art of War before A Book of Five Rings because it helped me understand what this book was all about.
A Book of Five Rings, written by Miyamoto Musashi an expert Japanese swordsman back in the 16th and 17th century. Throughout this book, Musashi lays out in plain language an idea he calls 'The Way.' The purpose of this 'Way' is simple, to ignore all pomp, circumstance, distractions, grandiose displays of prowess and close with the enemy and kill them. Swiftly, without rancor, without a second thought.
In regards to another quote "Do nothing which is of no use", he explains that whether this enemy is a real live one, a competitor, or an obstacle/struggle within your own life, the point is to take control through practice, hard work, perseverance, study, and master that which opposes you through any means necessary.
Study, consider, train, examine, observe. The list goes on. This book is a practical guide to life, whether you are in the military or a business person or just an average joe looking to get a handle on life.
I enjoy the difference between the books, as Sun Tzu really focused on the fact that it is better not to fight than to be involved in a conflict, while Miyamoto was the complete opposite, indicating that you must do whatever you can to throw your opponent off balance, onto their weak hand, blind them, use every advantage you know to utterly remove them from the equation. If you can accept this, you'll never fear a thousand fights. However, one similarity between the two is Sun Tzu believed that if you do have to fight in any point of your life, then you have to do it to win, and these are the various strategies, often brutal, that will get you that result, and in order to do that you must know who your enemy is.
Do I believe in what Miyamoto believes in fully, no, not everything, I am more of a Sun Tzu enthusiast, however, I will admit some of the things he did talk about was interesting to read and trying to fully understand his point of view.
7 down, 33 to go.
challenging
informative
slow-paced
well… at least i have an idea of what to do in a swordfight
Excellent
Excellent entry into the philosophy of the way of the sword. Gives you the guide posts to shape your perception
Excellent entry into the philosophy of the way of the sword. Gives you the guide posts to shape your perception
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
A good book for strategy, but the principles can be applied in other areas besides warfare. Take some time and read this one, it can teach you some good lessons.
As one of the greatest swordsman to ever live, Miyamoto Musashi certainly has the ethos to write a book like this, however, reading it made me think of a particular episode of The Office. The one where the Scranton branch is performing so well, that David Wallace brings in Michael Scott to explain his success. Michael ends up rambling in nonsense and then utters the classic line, "Sometimes I'll start a sentence, and I don't even know where it's going."
The book is divided into five Rings: Ground, Water, Fire, Wind, and Void. I found these chapter titles to be unrelated to the content within, with exception to the final chapter, Void. While there is some genuinely good strategy advice, especially in Fire, the book is largely Musashi telling the reader something rather vague and then saying, "You must study this diligently."
I did like the book, and as I said, there is some great strategy advice in here, but while Musashi was a phenomenal swordsman, I do not think he was a gifted teacher. What do I know though, I know nothing of martial arts or swordsmanship, and very little about strategy.
The book is divided into five Rings: Ground, Water, Fire, Wind, and Void. I found these chapter titles to be unrelated to the content within, with exception to the final chapter, Void. While there is some genuinely good strategy advice, especially in Fire, the book is largely Musashi telling the reader something rather vague and then saying, "You must study this diligently."
I did like the book, and as I said, there is some great strategy advice in here, but while Musashi was a phenomenal swordsman, I do not think he was a gifted teacher. What do I know though, I know nothing of martial arts or swordsmanship, and very little about strategy.
Massively overrated, much like most old Eastern philosophy and whatnot. Some decent stuff, but mostly vague and undeveloped points.