Everyone lets the present moment slip by, then looks for it as though he thought it were somewhere else.

It is said that one should not hesitate to correct himself when he has made a mistake. If he corrects himself without the least bit of delay, his mistakes will disappear.

As long as people overlook matters, then inferiors can, without any fear, lead an easy and peaceful life.

To give a person an opinion one must first judge well whether that person is of the disposition to receive it or not.

When one has made a decision to kill a person, even if it will be very difficult to succeed by advancing straight ahead, it will not do to think about going at it in a long roundabout way. One's heart may slacken, he may miss his chance, and by and large there will be no success. The Way of the Samurai is one of immediacy, and it is best to dash in headlong.

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

As everything in this world is but a sham, Death is the only sincerity.