The Empire sells superficial identities that are fleeting, synthetic, empty and unsatisfying. In a world of single, spoiled boys who have been able to walk away from any commitment or association — lifetime brotherhood is a radical idea. Collective honor is a radical idea. Working to help people you know and care about instead of strangers is a radical idea.

“You must retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties. AND at the same time…You must confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.” U.S. Navy Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale, originator of the Stockdale Paradox

The man who shuts himself away and avoids the company of men is a coward...

Hagakure online: http://3yryua3n3eu3i4gih2iopzph.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/pdf/hagakure.pdf

Ancient societies gave the highest status to their heroes. Our society gives the highest status to victims. How did we get here? What defines a hero, what defines a victim, and why is the latter more popular today than ever?

To be prideful about your strength while your mettle is not yet established is likely to bring you shame in the midst of people. You are weaker than you look.

A noble man should be silent, thoughtful, and bold in battle - Havamal 15

Kyuzaemon has always been a severe man, and even if I were cleared by the investigators, he would probably have me executed as a coward right before his eyes. In such a case, dying with the bad reputation of having run away from a place would be extremely regretful.

The Hagakure: http://3yryua3n3eu3i4gih2iopzph.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/pdf/hagakure.pdf

What do we do every day to prepare for the next challenge or crisis? How does our preparation help us to not be overwhelmed when the moment comes that we need to react to things out of our control?

What is called winning is defeating one’s allies. Defeating one’s allies is defeating oneself, and defeating oneself is vigorously overcoming one’s own body.

Do we understand what true love is? Are we willing to do whatever is necessary to love someone for their good?