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3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
informative
fast-paced
This was an incredible read -- the strategies discussed in terms of war were fascinating in and of themselves, but when you think about them in terms of life as a whole, they become even more complex and layered. My stepfather recommended that I read this book and I was a bit skeptical, but I honestly think it's one of the clearest, most interesting philosophy books I've ever encountered.
A great book about martial art and weapon strategy. Personally I think it is way better than the art of war as it goes into a bit more details, rather than a list of "headlines".
Still though I cannot rate it 5 stars as I have the feeling that I'd like it to have a bit more information in it rather than saying "I cannot explain this now on further detail".
An overall great read :)
Still though I cannot rate it 5 stars as I have the feeling that I'd like it to have a bit more information in it rather than saying "I cannot explain this now on further detail".
An overall great read :)
I found it to be a really interesting read, but struggled to really understand too much of if because of my lack of background. As a Japanese teacher and translator, I loved the notes section in the back where the translator broke down some of the choices he made. I feel like I need to read it a few more times to really pull stuff from it.
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
This is a hyper condensed guidebook on applying the martial parts of martial "arts". The old maxim, "he who lives by the sword dies by the sword" applies here.
I recommend this to anyone interested in fighting/combat sports - you will find individual sentences that can explode into life-long practices/training. There's a lot of content behind not a lot of words.
Because it paints in such broad strokes, readers can apply it's principles to other areas of life. This book is usually mentioned alongside The Prince and Art of War. Admittedly, I cringe a little when I read/hear about people using these works as a way to get ahead in business. I feel like the author's life experiences are cheapened by our modern interpretations (of works like this) as a way of making money, finding "success", getting the girl, becoming the "alpha"... If you Google "why should I read A Book of Five Rings?", you'll know what I mean.
To be fair, the author does mention that some of the principles can be used outside of fighting so I wouldn't want to completely write off that aspect. But that's martial arts in general, no? You cultivate and find your potential. I think where we need to pay a little more attention to is that there's always someone out there that can defeat you.
I recommend this to anyone interested in fighting/combat sports - you will find individual sentences that can explode into life-long practices/training. There's a lot of content behind not a lot of words.
Because it paints in such broad strokes, readers can apply it's principles to other areas of life. This book is usually mentioned alongside The Prince and Art of War. Admittedly, I cringe a little when I read/hear about people using these works as a way to get ahead in business. I feel like the author's life experiences are cheapened by our modern interpretations (of works like this) as a way of making money, finding "success", getting the girl, becoming the "alpha"... If you Google "why should I read A Book of Five Rings?", you'll know what I mean.
To be fair, the author does mention that some of the principles can be used outside of fighting so I wouldn't want to completely write off that aspect. But that's martial arts in general, no? You cultivate and find your potential. I think where we need to pay a little more attention to is that there's always someone out there that can defeat you.
The lessons are about strategy and seeking self-knowledge/enlightenment.
Not entirely satisfied with the translation, and the outdated and generalizing introduction does little more than reinforce the same tired stereotypes