50 Quotes by Miyamoto Musashi | Wisdom from the Sword

Miyamoto Musashi, Japan’s legendary swordsman, was not just a master of martial arts, but also a profound philosopher. His writings, especially the classic treatise “The Book of Five Rings” and his list of life principles, “Dokkodo,” are rich with wisdom on strategy, discipline, and personal development.

In this article, we explore 50 poignant quotes by Miyamoto Musashi, giving us a glimpse into his keen mind and extraordinary understanding of life.

1. “Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.” (Dokkodo)
2. “Do nothing which is of no use.” (The Book of Five Rings)
3. “You can only fight the way you practice.” (The Book of Five Rings)
4. “There is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself.” (The Book of Five Rings)
5. “All men are the same except for their belief in their own selves, regardless of what others may think of them.” (Dokkodo)
6. “If you do not control the enemy, the enemy will control you.” (The Book of Five Rings)
7. “Do not regret what you have done.” (Dokkodo)
8. “Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.” (The Book of Five Rings)
9. “In battle, if you make your opponent flinch, you have already won.” (The Book of Five Rings)
10. “Today is victory over yourself of yesterday; tomorrow is your victory over lesser men.” (The Book of Five Rings)
    
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11. “Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.” (Dokkodo)
12. “In strategy it is important to see distant things as if they were close and to take a distanced view of close things.” (The Book of Five Rings)
13. “There is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself.” (The Book of Five Rings)
14. “Get beyond love and grief: exist for the good of man.” (Dokkodo)
15. “Know the way broadly and you will see it in all things.” (The Book of Five Rings)
16. “The only reason a warrior is alive is to fight, and the only reason a warrior fights is to win.” (The Book of Five Rings)
17. “No matter how you may excel in the art of te, and in your scholastic endeavors, nothing is more important than your behavior and your humanity as observed in daily life.” (Dokkodo)
18. “Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.” (Dokkodo)
19. “Do not pursue the taste of good food.” (Dokkodo)
20. “Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.” (Dokkodo)
    
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21. “Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.” (Dokkodo)
22. “Accept everything just the way it is.” (Dokkodo)
23. “It is difficult to realize the true Way just through sword-fencing. Know the smallest things and the biggest things, the shallowest things and the deepest things.” (The Book of Five Rings)
24. “There is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is whithin. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself.” (The Book of Five Rings)
25. “You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain.” (The Book of Five Rings)
26. “Generally speaking, the Way of the warrior is resolute acceptance of death.” (The Book of Five Rings)
27. “Do not act following customary beliefs.” (Dokkodo)
28. “The Way is in training.” (The Book of Five Rings)
29. “Do not fear death.” (Dokkodo)
30. “It may seem difficult at first, but all things are difficult at first.” (The Book of Five Rings)
    
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31. “In the construction of houses, choice of woods is made. Straight un-knotted timber of good appearance is used for the revealed pillars, straight timber with small defects is used for the inner pillars.” (The Book of Five Rings)
32. “Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.” (Dokkodo)
33. “You should not have a favorite weapon.” (The Book of Five Rings)
34. “Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.” (The Book of Five Rings)
35. “It is important to see distant things as if they were close and to take a distanced view of close things.” (The Book of Five Rings)
36. “Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.” (The Book of Five Rings)
37. “It is difficult to understand the universe if you only study one planet.” (The Book of Five Rings)
38. “Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.” (Dokkodo)
39. “Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.” (The Book of Five Rings)
40. “Do not regret what you have done.” (Dokkodo)
    
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41. “Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.” (Dokkodo)
42. “In strategy it is important to see distant things as if they were close and to take a distanced view of close things.” (The Book of Five Rings)
43. “In battle, if you make your opponent flinch, you have already won.” (The Book of Five Rings)
44. “The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time, and to teach them in such a way that they will be useful in all things.” (The Book of Five Rings)
45. “Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.” (Dokkodo)
46. “Accept everything just the way it is.” (Dokkodo)
47. “The only reason a warrior is alive is to fight, and the only reason a warrior fights is to win.” (The Book of Five Rings)
48. “You can only fight the way you practice.” (The Book of Five Rings)
49. “Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.” (Dokkodo)
50. “Do nothing which is of no use.” (The Book of Five Rings)

READ MORE: Miyamoto Musashi’s Philosophy: An Enduring Wisdom

Miyamoto Musashi’s words continue to resonate with individuals across various disciplines, from martial artists to strategists, from business leaders to artists. His insights provide us with timeless wisdom on living with purpose, integrity, and discipline. The quotes outlined in this article are but a small testament to the profound intellect of this legendary swordsman and offer a valuable guide to navigating the challenges of life.