The Hagakure: Yamamoto Tsunetomo

I have wanted to read this for some time, but different translations around are not always the original. This is a good collection of accurate (as far as possible) translations of Yamamoto Tsunetomo's work and an explanation of source from the author. Much of this is still applicable today.

Once again, hats off to the author for a nice well written and well-translated edition. This book has a lot to offer if you open your mind. You can learn many wonderful things from reading this work, and it's a book that you can refer to everyday of your life. The Hagakure is broken down into many small sections, and passages with a lesson in each of them.This book covers a wide range of topics such as: how to conduct yourself on a daily basis, to the way you should think, and the way you should view other people. Many examples I learned in my own life are found in this book, and it's nice to see that even though certain things are common sense - you can still read a book like this and receive gratification. Tsunetomo is 100% accurate throughout this book, and you get the feeling like you're receiving words of wisdom through a father figure.This account shows you how to be a human being full of virtue and magnificent attributes. It conveys many qualities such as: listening to others and not relying solely on your own opinion, when to keep quiet and mind your own business, how to handle power, and knowledge, etc. This book discusses self mastery, loyalty, wisdom, respect, dedication, cowards, men of honor, and much more... Everyone can learn something from these short stories. This paperback is a little treasure, and should be treated as such. I would recommend this as required reading to a younger generation that seems lost in this modern world we live in today...Five Stars across the board...

Solid, quick read with great words to live by. Not everything is applicable in todays world but there is a lot of wisdom in the pages.

In this fast paced goal orientated world we live in, honour seems to be a forgotton word. the Hagakure is a great reminder of how it is to be honourable to others and yourself. We let both slide too much!

To me, the question of whether or not Tarver's translation of the source text is more or less faithful than other versions is an academic one. What's more important is that Tarver's rendering captures timeless truths that will resonate with anyone who has ever been willing to dedicate their life to a cause, and sacrifice it if need be. This work offers simple and profound reflections on integrity and selflessness that are much needed in this fractured and frenzied world.