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3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
Thoroughly enjoyable historical texts that represent the Taoist perspectives of the samurai warriors of the 17th century.
Not quite what I was expecting. I was under the impression that The Book of Five Rings would be something like Sun Tzu's Art of War, which is to say, more abstract, philosophical, and applicable to the daily grind. While The Book of Five Rings dabbles in abstraction, this is primarily a technical guide on fighting and swordplay. Martial artists *may* find this book useful, but I'm not even too sure about that.
It is interesting, however, to have the world of a medieval Japanese warrior revealed so lucidly--but that's about it: it was just mildly interesting.
It is interesting, however, to have the world of a medieval Japanese warrior revealed so lucidly--but that's about it: it was just mildly interesting.
This book is beneficial for two types of people:
1. A man learning war or ancient Japanese fighting techniques.
2. A business man in the corporate world or a politician who is looking to rise up the ranks.
The book can be taken literally as a way to master ancient samurai techniques, or it can be taken metaphorically on how to manage business or political deals. In summary, the weapon's (words, or literal weapons) effeciveness all depends on the scenario, the location, the opponent's numbers, the opponents skills. If you bring a bow an arrow to a swordfight you will lose. Likewise, if you're very aggressive in a more conservative setting, you will once again lose. You must know your situation, your opponent, and make the best choices to succeed.
1. A man learning war or ancient Japanese fighting techniques.
2. A business man in the corporate world or a politician who is looking to rise up the ranks.
The book can be taken literally as a way to master ancient samurai techniques, or it can be taken metaphorically on how to manage business or political deals. In summary, the weapon's (words, or literal weapons) effeciveness all depends on the scenario, the location, the opponent's numbers, the opponents skills. If you bring a bow an arrow to a swordfight you will lose. Likewise, if you're very aggressive in a more conservative setting, you will once again lose. You must know your situation, your opponent, and make the best choices to succeed.
Difficult to digest and apply to every day life . Read it because it supposedly has excellent lessons for life .
shoutout to james this is the first book recommendation from you that I've enjoyed! slay. this is a nonfiction book about martial arts which teaches more so the philosophy of a good warrior. i don't really think I learned that much as a lot of the stuff was pretty basic information that as someone who doesn't do martial arts already knew. stuff like "if you're trying one strategy and it doesn't work, try a new strategy!" or "try to anticipate what your opponent is going to do so you can counter it" like yes that's obvious🙄🙄 idk ig this was written in the 1600s or something and yes this is important but how relevant is it now??? all of the warrior philosophy I can see resonating with a martial arts anime nerd who has never understood of the concept of emotional intelligence but it didn't really offer me anything that I hadn't already thought of/experienced in my own life💀💀 trying to cut this book some.slack though cause maybe it was revolutionary at the time or have never properly been written down by anyone in 1600?? idk lol. I think I also have to consider the context of this book, from my understanding the guy who wrote this was a great warrior and was about to die so he wrote this as a summary of all his teachings as supplementary material for his students and it definitely reads as it. like it very much feels like a written summary of a lesson that was taught to someone with physical examples (especially the explanations of certain sword movements). anyway, despite all my complaints I still thought this was cool but I wouldn't recommend it unless you're already interested in martial arts and specifically the philosophy of martial arts and you need some where to start with literature about being a good warrior or whatever 3.5 stars
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Disagreed with some philosophical assertions of the Zen Buddhism, but overall, thoroughly enjoyable to absorb and a great translation!
⚔️I now aspire to be a meditative swordsman of the four elements. 🪨🔥💨💧
⚔️I now aspire to be a meditative swordsman of the four elements. 🪨🔥💨💧
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
inspiring
medium-paced
medium-paced
I first read Miyamoto Musashi's The Book of Five Rings many years ago, while I was a Ph.D. candidate in California. I was intrigued by how his nine principles seemd to apply to life in general and leaders in particular, in addition to his intended audience of swordsmen. While it is not as in depth as Sun Tzu's The Art of War, he certainly added to my understanding.
His nine principles, from the translation I prefer, are as follows:
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 judgment and understanding of everything
7. Perceive those things which cannot be seen
8. Pay attention even to trifles
9. Do nothing which is of no use
As a set of core principles, these are not a bad way to lead one's life.
His nine principles, from the translation I prefer, are as follows:
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 judgment and understanding of everything
7. Perceive those things which cannot be seen
8. Pay attention even to trifles
9. Do nothing which is of no use
As a set of core principles, these are not a bad way to lead one's life.