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About this quote

What does it mean?
Pay close attention to your surroundings to gain strategic advantage.
In plain terms
Look around you carefully to understand what is happening.
What can you take from it?
Awareness of your setting is crucial for success.

Where it applies

  • planning a project
  • entering a new room
  • preparing for a meeting

Putting it to work

  • scan the room before acting
  • assess resources before starting

Questions to consider

  • What do you notice when you stop and look?
  • How does your setting influence your choices?

Another view

Over-focusing on details can sometimes miss the bigger picture.

More from Miyamoto Musashi

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  2. When the fight comes, always endeavour to chase the enemy around to your left side. Chase him towards awkward places, and try to keep him with his back to awkw…

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  3. In my strategy, the training for killing enemies is by way of many contests, fighting for survival, discovering the meaning of life and death, learning the Way…

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