Hagakure - Book of the Samuari #5
February 23rd, 2007 by Scott Janousek
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“There is something to be learned from a rainstorm. When meeting with a sudden shower, you try not to get wet and run quickly along the road. But doing such things as passing under the eaves of houses, you still get wet. When you are resolved from the beginning, you will not be perplexed, though you still get the same soaking. This understanding extends to everything.” - Hagakure (Book of the Samurai), Yamamoto Tsunetomo
UPDATE: Someone asked me why I was postng these. Let me just state for the record that this is merely for my particular interest in (ancient) cultures and history. The book was given to me by a friend. I do not subscribe to (all) these philosophies, nor do I think Yamamoto was some kind of “Hero”. I just find some of the quotes thought provoking (either in a positive, or in the majority of this book, negative light). The book is particularly dark and forboding … in any event, I may move this to a much more personal blog if it confuses, or is otherwise unwanted by those who read this blog. I also have my eye on “The Art of War”. Again, just for a historical interest. That is all. Thanks for listening.
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February 23rd, 2007 at 2:48 pm
So… shoot yourself in the head before going to war?
February 23rd, 2007 at 4:24 pm
In the context of battle … I think it’s more akin to knowing that you will (most likely) be cut in a knife fight when both opponents know how to use their weapons. The question is just how badly.
This book has some particularly “dark” quotes, this is one of them. I don’t prescribe to the philosophies, I just find some of the quotes interesting.
February 23rd, 2007 at 4:27 pm
Another particularly dark quote that this reminded me is from “Band of Brothers” (WW2 series):
[Lt. Speirs explains to Pvt. Blithe how to cope with fear]
Ronald Speirs: We’re all scared. You hid in that ditch because you think there’s still hope. But Blithe, the only hope you have is to accept the fact that you’re already dead. And the sooner you accept that, the sooner you’ll be able to function as a soldier is supposed to function. Without mercy. Without compassion. Without remorse. All war depends on it.
June 20th, 2007 at 9:37 pm
this book is not dark . I can’t beleive you veiw these quotes that way. this book has changed my life the way i live and has graduated my understanding to a sharp pinacle .how ever ,i do supose every one is entitled to their own opinion . but before you go calling it dark i sugest you go back and reevaluate the quotes in the boook . in my opinion it can help normal people live with less stress and worry . thats it .i did enjoy your site though keep blogging ok .
peace
June 21st, 2007 at 10:06 am
could you tell me where to buy it ?
June 21st, 2007 at 10:46 am
good could you tell me where to buy it ?
July 8th, 2007 at 1:07 am
it is good thinkimg
October 17th, 2007 at 1:56 am
dark.. from what i understood its far from it. The book was intended to be of help to samurai during peaceful times. I believe its good advice on how a person should act during difficult times. Although you cannot stop it from raining, you do have a choice on how you react when it does.