Miyamoto Musashi Quotes

There are many ways of understanding simple things, but generally the opposite is true for difficult ideas

Immature strategy is the cause of grief.

Fixed formation is bad. Study this well.

Strategy is the craft of the warrior.

The warrior is different in that studying the Way of strategy is based on overcoming men

If there is a Way involving the spirit of not being defeated, to help oneself and gain honour, it is the Way of Strategy.

If you want to learn the craft of war, ponder over this book. The teacher is as a needle, the disciple is as thread. You must practice constantly.

The halberd is inferior to the spear on the battlefield. With the spear you can take the initiative, the halberd is defensive.

When you attack the enemy, your spirit must go to the extent of pulling the stakes out of a wall and using them as spears and halberds.

Respect the gods and buddhas, but never rely on them.

The bow is tactically strong at the commencement of battle, especially battles on a moor, as it is possible to shoot quickly among the spearmen.

Second is the way of the merchant. The wine maker obtains his ingredients and puts them to use to make his living. The way of the merchant is always to live by taking profit.

They speak of "This Dojo" and "That Dojo". They are looking for profit.

Never depart from the way of martial arts.

From one thing, know ten thousand things.

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.

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

There is even rhythm in being empty.

As you get the rhythm you discern how to win.

Being like a rock wall" is when a master of martial arts suddenly becomes like a rock wall, inaccessible to anything at all, immovable.

Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.

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.