Miyamoto Musashi

“Study strategy over the years and achieve the spirit of the warrior. Today is victory over yourself of yesterday; tomorrow is your victory over lesser men.”

“Generally speaking, the Way of the warrior is resolute acceptance of death.”

“There is no one way to salvation, whatever the manner in which a man may proceed. All forms and variations are governed by the eternal intelligence of the Universe that enables a man to approach perfection. It may be in the arts of music and painting or it may be in commerce, law, or medicine. It may be in the study of war or the study of peace. Each is as important as any other. Spiritual enlightenment through religious meditation such as Zen or in any other way is as viable and functional as any "Way."... A person should study as they see fit.”

“I dreamt of worldly success once.”

“What is essential is to suddenly make a move totally unexpected by the opponent, pick up on the advantage of fright, and seize the victory right then and there.”

“All things entail rising and falling timing. You must be able to discern this.”

“From one thing, know ten thousand things.”

“There is even rhythm in being empty.”

“In my school, no consideration is given to anything unreasonable; the heart of the matter is to use the power of the knowledge of martial arts to gain victory any way you can.”

“Becoming the opponent means you should put yourself in an opponent's place and think from the opponent's point of view.”

“Perception is strong and sight weak. In strategy it is important to see distant things as if they were close and to take a distanced view of close things.”

“The primary thing when you take a sword in your hands is your intention to cut the enemy, whatever the means. Whenever you parry, hit, spring, strike or touch the enemy's cutting sword, you must cut the enemy in the same movement. It is essential to attain this. If you think only of hitting, springing, striking or touching the enemy, you will not be able actually to cut him.”

“Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.”

“Do nothing which is of no use.”

“You win battles by knowing the enemy's timing, and using a timing which the enemy does not expect.”

“As you get the rhythm you discern how to win.”