If you fail to take advantage of your enemies' collapse, they may recover.
Miyamoto MusashiRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Mastery in any skill requires continuous practice and guidance from an expert.
This quote by Miyamoto Musashi emphasizes the importance of both instruction and dedicated practice in achieving mastery in any discipline, particularly in the art of war. The metaphor of the teacher as a needle and the disciple as thread highlights the interconnectedness of learning and practicing, suggesting that growth comes from a steady and consistent effort guided by knowledgeable mentors.
Themes
LearningPracticeMasteryWarMentorship
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about military strategy, one could cite this quote to emphasize the importance of training.
More from Miyamoto Musashi
All quotes βOne must make the warrior walk his everyday walk.
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To cut and slash are two different things. Cutting, whatever form of cutting it is, is decisive, with a resolute spirit. Slashing is nothing more than touching the enemy.
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You win battles by knowing the enemy's timing, and using a timing which the enemy does not expect.
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In the void is virtue, and no evil. Wisdom has existence, principle has existence, the Way has existence, spirit is nothingness.
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Strategy is the craft of the warrior.
Miyamoto MusashiRead
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