I wouldn't say Musashi is ordinary. But he is. That's what's extraordinary about him. He is not content to rely on whatever natural gifts he may have. Knowing he is ordinary, he is constantly trying to improve himself. No one appreciates the agonizing effort he's had to make. Now that his years of training have yielded such spectacular results, everybody's talking about his 'God-given talent.' That's how men who don't try very hard comfort themselves.

It's interesting, isn't it? Being in the world.

Oh, you crows! Feast away! What a spread! Soup straight from the eye sockets! And thick red sake! But don't have too much Or you'll surely get drunk.

The line between life and death is not thicker than an eyelid.

Every act is an expression of one's self.

Hold on to your life and make it honest and brave.

The bitter winds in February were sometimes called the First East Winds, but the longing for spring somehow made them seem more piercing.