When we are fighting with the enemy, even when it can be seen that we can win on the surface with the benefit of the Way, if his spirit is not exting… - Miyamoto Musashi

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When we are fighting with the enemy, even when it can be seen that we can win on the surface with the benefit of the Way, if his spirit is not extinguished, he may be beaten superficially yet undefeated in spirit deep inside. With this principle of "penetrating the depths" we can destroy the enemy's spirit in its depths, demoralizing him by quickly changing our spirit. This often occurs. Penetrating the depths means penetrating with the long sword, penetrating with the body, and penetrating with the spirit. This cannot be understood in a generalization. Once we have crushed the enemy in the depths, there is no need to remain spirited. But otherwise we must remain spirited. If the enemy remains spirited it is difficult to crush him.

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About Miyamoto Musashi

Miyamoto Musashi 宮本 武蔵 (c. 1584 – 13 June 1645) was a famous Japanese swordsman, believed to have been one of the most skilled swordsmen in history. He founded the Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryu, or Nito Ryu style of swordsmanship and wrote Go Rin No Sho (The Book of Five Rings) a classic work on strategy, tactics, and philosophy.

Biography information from Wikiquote

Also Known As

Pen Names: 新免玄信 宮本二天
Alternative Names: Niten Miyamoto Musashi Niten Miyamoto Niten Musashi Takemura Musashi Shinmen Takezō Musashi Masana Shinmen Musashi-no-Kami Fujiwara no Harunobu Shimmen Musashi Musachi Musashi Miyamoto Miyamoto Mushashi
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Additional quotes by Miyamoto Musashi

This is the Way for men who want to learn my strategy:
Do not think dishonestly.
The Way is in training.
Become acquainted with every art.
Know the Ways of all professions.
Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters.
Develop intuitive judgment and understanding for everything.
Perceive those things which cannot be seen.
Pay attention even to trifles.
Do nothing which is of no use.

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