Hagakure is a manual written for the Samurai classes consisting of a series of short anecdotes and reflections that give both insight and instruction in the code of Bushido- the Way of the Warrior.

The author, Yamamoto Tsunetomo (1659-1719) was a Samurai who became a Buddhist monk in 1700.

Here are 10 of my favorite quotes:

1. One man’s intelligence in like a tree that has simply been stuck in the ground.

When one is not capable of true intelligence, it is good to consult with someone of good sense. An advisor will fulfill the Way when he makes a decision by selfless and frank intelligence because he is not personally involved. This way of doing things will certainly be seen by others as being strongly rooted. It is, for example, like a large tree with many roots, One man’s intelligence is like a tree that has been simply stuck in the ground.

2. Be aware that you do not know what is going to happen next.

Above all, the Way of the Samurai should be in being aware that you do not know what is going to happen next, and in querying every item day and night. Victory and defeat are matters of the temporary force of circumstances.

3. You will be tripped up by people when your resolution is lax.

One should be mindful of this. Moreover, it is better not to become acquainted with men about whom you have formerly had some doubts. No matter what you do, they will be people by whom you will be tripped up or taken in. To be certain of this fact you must have much experience.

4. When meeting difficult situations, one should dash forward bravely and with joy.

When meeting calamities or difficult situations, it is not enough to simply say one is not at all flustered. When meeting difficult situations, one should dash forward bravely and with joy. It is the crossing of a single barrier and is like the saying, “The more water, the higher the boat.”

5. A warrior is a person who does things quickly.

In the words of the ancients, one should make his decisions within seven breathes. Lord Takanobu said, “If discrimination is long, it will spoil.” Lord Naoshige said, “When matters are done leisurely, seven out of ten will turn out badly. A warrior is a person who does things quickly.”

6. Death is always at one’s door, one should make sufficient effort and act quickly.

Thus, the Way of the Samurai is, morning after morning, the practice of death, considering whether it will be here or be there, imagining the most sightly way of dying, and putting one’s mind firmly with death. Although this may be a most difficult thing, if one will do it, it can be done. Human life is truly a short affair. Death is always at one’s door, one should make sufficient effort and act quickly.

7. A person rises from the humble to the higher classes because he has value.

At the same time, to feel that a person of no family cannot do the same work as one of higher family, or that a man who has heretofore been only a foot soldier should not be allowed to become a leader, is extremely wrong thinking. As for a person who has risen from the humble, his value should be prized and especially respected even more than that of a person who was born into his class.

8. One cannot accomplish great things simply with cleverness.

One must take a broad view. It will not do to make rash judgments concerning good and evil. However, one should not be sluggish. It is said the one is not truly a Samurai if he does not make his decisions quickly and break right through to completion.

9. If one has not previously mastered his mind and body, he will not defeat the enemy.

10. Throughout your life advance daily, becoming more skillful than yesterday, more skillful than today. This is never-ending.