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3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
Liked this a lot more than the Hagakure. Like The Art of War, a lot of the advice here is timeless and applicable, aggressive and profound. Should be taught in physical education.
Ok, but I would like to read a better translation.
There are seminal books on thought and warfare, such as The Art of War by Sun Tzu, or the Hagakure. This is not one of those books.
I assumed there would be bits of wisdom and things to think about upon reading The Book of Five Rings. Musashi was a renowned swordsman and I thought this book might have some compelling thoughts.
That said... it doesn't. This reads more like a pamphlet to be provided to students of the Ni Ten Ichi Ryu school. Which makes sense in hindsight, but there's very little applicable outside of his school of fighting to general thought and practice.
The Ground book covers the bulk of what's interesting here and the rest just seems unnecessary. This is not a timeless read, but more like something in a time capsule, only relevant to its time and place.
I found this disappointing. If you were left feeling the same, I'd recommend the books I mentioned above. The Art of War and the Hagakure are both relevant today, each in their own way. This is not.
I assumed there would be bits of wisdom and things to think about upon reading The Book of Five Rings. Musashi was a renowned swordsman and I thought this book might have some compelling thoughts.
That said... it doesn't. This reads more like a pamphlet to be provided to students of the Ni Ten Ichi Ryu school. Which makes sense in hindsight, but there's very little applicable outside of his school of fighting to general thought and practice.
The Ground book covers the bulk of what's interesting here and the rest just seems unnecessary. This is not a timeless read, but more like something in a time capsule, only relevant to its time and place.
I found this disappointing. If you were left feeling the same, I'd recommend the books I mentioned above. The Art of War and the Hagakure are both relevant today, each in their own way. This is not.
An insight on the "Truth," the "Way," from an undefeated 17th century samurai? Yes. Musashi was an enlightened human who honed his spirituality with sword fighting. This book is a quick read, and you can be sure what you're reading is pure and honest.
I liked this. The audiobook was good, as was the narrator, but to get the most out of it, I think you need to read it in print. I can see the appeal to both martial arts aficionados and corporate types alike. Definitely one for reflecting on and taking notes.
Packaging this as a business success & strategy book sort of makes sense but it also kind of gross, especially with the casual low key racism of this edition's cover. But there is indeed some wisdom to be taken here, and it's clear that although Miyamoto Musashi's sword skills were justifiably legendary, his real success lain in his psychological game.
Interesting, but I think at this point the teachings have been so frequently adapted that some of this felt very 'common sense'. It'll be something I might revisit as I keep reading on the era and subject.
I understand very little of this book and view that as progress.
Oh man this book is so cool dude I could totally be a samurai now I could totalltly chop your head off with a katana I definitely coul d bro don't push me hiiiiiiiya!