Philosophy

Hagakure: 6 key ideas

The core ideas of Hagakure, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.

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  1. IDEA 1 OF 6

    Live as if already dead

    The samurai text urges facing death daily in thought.

    Freed from fear, you can act with complete commitment.

  2. IDEA 2 OF 6

    Decide quickly

    Make decisions within the span of a few breaths.

    Long hesitation lets fear and calculation weaken resolve.

  3. IDEA 3 OF 6

    Single-minded devotion

    Commit fully to your path and duty.

    Divided loyalty produces divided effort.

  4. IDEA 4 OF 6

    Small matters reveal character

    How you behave in everyday details shows who you really are.

    Attend to them.

  5. IDEA 5 OF 6

    Correct others gently

    Pointing out someone's faults should be done with care so they can accept it, not to show your own superiority.

  6. IDEA 6 OF 6

    Endless refinement

    There is no point at which training is complete.

    Keep improving throughout life.

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