“Study strategy over the years and achieve the spirit of the warrior.”

— Miyamoto Musashi, Go Rin No Sho (The Book of Five Rings), The Water Book (1645)

About Miyamoto Musashi

1584 – 1645

Japanese swordsman and author of "The Book of Five Rings".

“You must practise diligently in order to understand how to win.”

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

“There is no fast way of wielding the long sword.”

“A minute's success pays the failure of years.”

“Old men are always young enough to learn.”

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em.”

“The long, dull monotonous years of middle-aged prosperity or middle-aged adversity are excellent campaigning weather.”

“Young people, who are beginners in everything, cannot yet know love: they have to learn it.”

“It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius, especially ambitious young men and women.”