Whether people be of high or low birth, rich or poor, old or young, enlightened or confused, they are all alike in that they will one day die. - Yamamoto Tsunetomo

Jōchō’s discourse is multifaceted and ostensibly chaotic, but the spirit of Hagakure can best be summed up by the four simple oaths he alludes to throughout the text: I will never fall behind others in pursuing the Way of the warrior. I will always be ready to serve my lord. I will honor my parents. I will serve compassionately for the benefit of others.

Tampoco alberga pensamientos de orgullo, sino que se dispone a recorrer el camino hasta el final con humildad. Se dice que el maestro Yagyu una vez constató: «Solo sé cómo se me derrota a mí, no a los demás». En la vida hay que progresar a diario, ser hoy más hábil que ayer y menos que mañana. El camino nunca termina.

In one’s life, there are levels in the pursuit of study. In the lowest level, a person studies but nothing comes of it, and he feels that both he and others are unskillful. At this point he is worthless. In the middle level he is still useless but is aware of his own insufficiencies and can also see the insufficiencies of others. In a higher level he has pride concerning his own ability, rejoices in praise from others, and laments the lack of ability in his fellows. This man has worth. In the highest level a man has the look of knowing nothing.