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There is not a man who does not get senile by the time he reaches sixty. And when one thinks that he will not be senile, he is already so.

Yamamoto Tsunetomo

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Yamamoto Tsunetomo
Age: 60 †
Born: 1659
Born: June 11
Died: 1719
Died: November 30
Bushi
Philosopher
Writer
Hizen Domain
Time
Senile
Thinking
Reaches
Sixty
Thinks
Already
War
Doe
Men

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If one thinks only of winning, a sordid victory will be worse than a defeat. For the most part, it becomes a squalid defeat.
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Nothing is impossible in this world. Firm determination, it is said, can move heaven and earth. Things appear far beyond one's power, because one cannot set his heart on any arduous project due to want of strong will.
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As everything in this world is but a sham, Death is the only sincerity.
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To desire with one’s very soul every second of every day to accomplish one’s aim.
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Even if one's head were to be suddenly cut off, he should be able to do one more action with certainty.
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If a retainer will just think about what he is to do for the day at hand, he will be able to do anything. If it is a single day's work, one should be able to put up with it. Tomorrow, too is but a single day.
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One should be wary of talking on end about such subjects as learning, morality or folklore in front of elders or people of rank. It is disagreeable to listen to.
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All abilities come from one mind
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The way of the Samurai is found in death.
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As long as people overlook matters, then inferiors can, without any fear, lead an easy and peaceful life.
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Light matters should be dealt with seriously. Serious matters should be dealt with lightly.
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The basic meaning of etiquette is to be quick at both the beginning and end and tranquil in the middle.
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When something out of the ordinary happens, it is ridiculous to say that it is a mystery or a portent of something to come... the mystery is created in (their) minds, and by waiting for disaster, it is from their very minds that it occurs.
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Having only wisdom and talent is the lowest tier of usefulness.
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The person who practices an art is an artist, not a samurai, and one should have the intention of being called a samurai.
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If you are slain in battle, you should be resolved to have your corpse facing the enemy.
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It is a principle of the art of war that one should simply lay down his life and strike. If one's opponent also does the same, it is a even match. Defeating one's opponent is then a matter of faith and destiny.
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Covetousness, anger and foolishness are things to sort out well. When bad things happen in the world, if you look at them comparatively, they are not unrelated to these three things.
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It is better not to become acquainted with men about whom you have formerly had doubts. No matter what you do, they will be people by whom you will be tripped up or taken in.
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All of man’s work is a bloody business. That fact, today, is considered foolish, affairs are finished cleverly with words alone, and jobs that require effort are avoided. I would like young men to have some understanding of this.
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