As long as people overlook matters, then inferiors can, without any fear, lead an easy and peaceful life.

A warrior is worthless unless he rises above others and stands strong in the midst of a storm.

To give a person an opinion one must first judge well whether that person is of the disposition to receive it or not.

Human life is truly a short affair. It is better to live doing the things that you like.

Light matters should be dealt with seriously. Serious matters should be dealt with lightly.

The way of the Samurai is found in death.

Bushido is realised in the presence of death. In the case of having to choose between life and death you should choose death. There is no other reasoning.

In the eyes of mercy, no one should have hateful thoughts. Feel pity for the man who is even more at fault. The area and size of mercy is limitless.

Go ahead and gamble a lie. A person who will not tell you seven lies within a hundred yards is useless as a man.

The end is important in all things.

One should make his decisions within the space of seven breaths.

Nature is such as to give rise to conscious beings with minds

Are you an aberration to your species?' she cried. 'Cats don't look for approval!

In the present every day is a miracle.

The supreme blossoming of character lies (or reside) in renounciation (or renuncement) and abnegation of self ("abnégation de soi", Fr.)

When I was 13, I told my parents I didn't believe in God any more. Religion should not be about determining women's freedoms.

A lie always needs a truth for a handle to it.

Words become meaningless, the mind cuts itself off from reality for a little while, a necessary breathing space until one is ready to cope.

The public is never pleased with what we do, wanting always a copy of what we have done.

All that is needed for the majority of labors to go well is a healthy, pregnant woman who has loving support in labor, self-confidence , and attendants with infinite patience.