![]() Not having been to Japan, I would be interested to know what modern Japanese think of this book, and I would also be interested to know to what extent Nitobe's observations about Japanese society from 1900 still hold true today. The presentation of the book is pleasing - the traditional binding and the beauty of the Japanese prints and art enhance and illustrate the points made by the author. Nitobe examines how Bushido is similar to Western values - sometimes in ways that Westerner themselves coming to Japan may not have understood initially - and where there are differences. It's a fascinating comparison of Oriental vs Occidental. It's an interesting book because, like a time capsule in a way, it gives an idea of how Japanese at this point in Japan's "Renaissance", the Meiji Restoration - a watershed in Japanese history - saw the ways of their past - and what they wanted outsiders to know about them. I think that many cultures have groups within that capture the imagination of their members and profoundly influence their ethos and ideals and values - for Arabs, the Bedouin for Europeans, the knights for Russians, the Cossacks for Americans, the pioneers and the cowboys - and, for the Japanese: the Samurai. In a traditional Chinese book binding with lovely Japanese paintings, the author, who wrote it in 1905, is explaining bushido - the way of the Samurai - to Westerners of that time. I think that many cultures have groups within that capture the imagination of their members and profoundly influence their ethos and ideals and values - for Arabs, Although I was expecting this to be a book on the basic principles of bushido, it was not what I expected, but still turned out to be worth my time. Nitobe details the sources of the eight virtues most admired by his people and practiced by the Samurai - rectitude, courage, benevolence, politeness, sincerity, honor, loyalty, and self-control - and compares these virtues to ancient Western philosophies and more.moreĪlthough I was expecting this to be a book on the basic principles of bushido, it was not what I expected, but still turned out to be worth my time. ![]() Originally published as Bushido, The Way of the Samurai, has become a book like The Art of War a classic with information that was created as a guide for the life of the literal warrior, but has become lifestyle reading for the martial artist, the yoga practioner, and the businessperson in the 21st century. This deluxe slipcase edition is illustrated throughout. ![]() Drawing on Japanese traditions such as Shinto and Buddhism, and citing parallels with Western philosophy and literature, Nitobe's text is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand the traditional Samurai culture and how it had an affect on the moral philosophies of Japan. Drawing on Japanese traditions such as Shinto and Buddhism, and citing parallels with Western philosophy and literature, Nitobe's text is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand the traditional Samurai culture a This classic text by Inazo Nitobe defining the moral code of the warrior class or Samurai has had a huge impact both in the West and in Japan itself. This classic text by Inazo Nitobe defining the moral code of the warrior class or Samurai has had a huge impact both in the West and in Japan itself.
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