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.
Miyamoto MusashiRead
There is timing in the whole life of the warrior, in his thriving and declining, in his harmony and discord. Similarly, there is timing in the Way of the merchant, in the rise and fall of capital. All things entail rising and falling timing. You must be able to discern this.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of understanding the natural rhythms and cycles in life and work.
Miyamoto Musashi's quote reflects the concept that both warriors and merchants experience inherent cycles of success and failure, harmony and discord. Recognizing and adapting to these cycles is crucial for navigating life's challenges, suggesting that awareness of timing can lead to better decision-making and understanding of one's journey.
Themes
TimingLife CyclesSuccessFailureAwareness
In practice
Example use cases
A motivational speaker might use this quote to illustrate the importance of resilience in the face of setbacks.
More from Miyamoto Musashi
All quotes →If you fail to take advantage of your enemies' collapse, they may recover.
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One 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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