Excerpts from The Hagakure: A Code to the Way of the Samurai, by Yamamoto Tsunetomo (Hokuseido Press, 1980)
Think
Not Yourself as EstablishedA man who thinks he is already established is unwise; a man content with fixed views won through considerable effort has already fallen into a trap. ... Without a moment of self-content with what little one has found out, one should keep thinking his accomplished results as being still unsatisfactory and not good enough, exploring the right way to the attainment through one's whole life. Truth lies in no place but in this course of pursuit itself.
Appearances
One's appearance bespeaks dignity corresponding to the depth of his character. One's concentrated effort, serene attitude, taciturn air, courteous disposition, thoroughly polite bearing, gritted teeth with a piercing look--each of these reveals dignity. Such outward appearance, in short, comes from constant attentiveness and seriousness.
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