Having only wisdom and talent is the lowest tier of usefulness.

It is said that what is called "the spirit of an age" is something to which one cannot return. That this spirit gradually dissipates is due to the world's coming to an end. For this reason, although one would like to change today's world back to the spirit of one hundred years or more ago, it cannot be done. Thus it is important to make the best out of every generation.

By inconsistency and frivolity we stray from the Way and show ourselves to be beginners. In this we do much harm.

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.

The end is important in all things.

Even if one's head were to be suddenly cut off, he should be able to do one more action with certainty.

Bushido is realised in the presence of death. In the case of having to choose between life and death you should choose death. There is no other reasoning.