Be true to the thought of the moment and avoid distraction. Other than continuing to exert yourself, enter into nothing else, but go to the extent of living single thought by single thought.

Go ahead and gamble a lie. A person who will not tell you seven lies within a hundred yards is useless as a man.

The saying 'the arts aid the body' is for samurai of other regions. For samurai of the Nabeshima clan the arts bring ruin to the body.

Light matters should be dealt with seriously. Serious matters should be dealt with lightly.

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.

Matters of small concern should be treated seriously.

A samurai will use a toothpick even though he has not eaten. Inside the skin of a dog, outside the hide of a tiger.