The person who practices an art is an artist, not a samurai, and one should have the intention of being called a samurai.

I have found that the Way of the samurai is death. This means that when you are compelled to choose between life and death, you must quickly choose death.

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.

The Four Oaths: Never be late with respect to the way of the warrior; be useful to the lord; be respectful to your parents; get beyond love and grief: exist for the good of man.

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

The person who practices an art is an artist, not a samurai, and one should have the intention of being called a samurai.

The deepest love is often hidden.