Even if it seems certain that you will lose, retaliate. Neither wisdom nor technique has a place in this. A real man does not think of victory or def… - Yamamoto Tsunetomo

Even if it seems certain that you will lose, retaliate.

A real man does not think of victory or defeat. He plunges recklessly towards an irrational death. By doing this, you will awaken from your dreams.

"I know nothing about how to win over others. I know only the way know the way to win over myself." — attributed to the (master) swordsman Yagyu, who was a teacher (and samurai?) to the Shogun himself.

There is a saying of the elders' that goes, "Step from under the eaves and you're a dead man. Leave the gate and the enemy is waiting." This is not a matter of being careful. It is to consider oneself as dead beforehand.

A person who knows but a little will put on an air of knowledge. This is a matter of inexperience. When someone knows something well, it will not be seen in his manner.