Not only must a warrior be strong with his bow, but he must have a heart full of pity for all living creatures.
Eiji YoshikawaRead
Danger was the grindstone on which the swordsman whetted his spirit. Enemies were teachers in disguise.
Interpretation
Challenges and adversaries help shape and strengthen our character.
This quote suggests that hardships and obstacles, represented as 'danger', serve as vital tools for personal growth and development, similar to how a grindstone sharpens a sword. It implies that enemies and difficulties are not merely threats but also valuable teachers that help refine our spirit and resolve.
In practice
During a motivational speech about resilience.
Not only must a warrior be strong with his bow, but he must have a heart full of pity for all living creatures.
There is so much about my fate that I cannot control, but other things do fall under my jurisdiction. There are certain lottery tickets I can buy, thereby increasing my odds of finding contentment. I can decide how I spend my time, whom I interact with, whom I share my body and life and money and energy with.
This truth is a remedy against spiritual pride, namely, that none should account himself better before God than others, though perhaps adorned with greater gifts, and endowments.
Wisdom we know is the knowledge of good and evil - not the strength to choose between the two.
You will observe with concern how long a useful truth may be known, and exist, before it is generally received and practiced on.
We're doomed to repeat the past no matter what. That's what it is to be alive. It's pretty dense kids who haven't figured that out by the time they're ten.... Most kids can't afford to go to Harvard and be misinformed.
Those who are serious in ridiculous matters will be ridiculous in serious matters.
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