Your strategy is of no account if when called on to fight in a confined space your heart is inclined to the long sword, or if you are in a house armed only with your companion sword. Besides, some men have not the strength of others. In my doctrine, I dislike preconceived, narrow spirit. You must study this well.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Strategy fails if you stick to rigid preferences instead of adapting.
- In plain terms
- Adapt to your surroundings instead of sticking to narrow preferences.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid preconceived limits and adapt strategy to context.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What narrow habits limit your effectiveness?
Another view
Some core principles should remain fixed despite context.
More from Miyamoto Musashi
It is difficult for these people to cut the enemy when at close quarters because of the length of the long sword. The blade path is large so the long sword is …
Permalink to quote #76 Whenever you cross swords with an enemy you must not think of cutting him either strongly or weakly; just think of cutting and killing him. Be intent solely on…
Permalink to quote #78 Some other schools have a liking for extra-long swords. From the point of view of my strategy these must be seen as weak schools. This is because they do not a…
Permalink to quote #75
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