Problem: You have an important exam in two weeks, but your friends want you to hang out and play games. You want to do well, but you also don’t want to disappoint your friends.

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Definition: Look beyond what’s obvious; pay attention to subtle cues.Example: "I noticed a friend acting different, and instead of brushing it off, I asked them if they were okay. Turns out, they were dealing with a lot."Application: Notice small things: someone’s tone, mood, or reaction. It helps you understand what’s really happening.

👀 7. See What Can’t Be Seen 🕶️🔍

Definition: Cut out unnecessary activities to make time for what matters.Example: "Scrolling on TikTok can easily waste hours that I could use for something productive."Application: List things you do daily, then cross out the ones that don’t help you reach your goals. Replace wasted time with something useful, like reading or exercising.

⏳9. Do Nothing Which is of No Use ⏰🚫

In a world full of distractions and endless competition, Musashi’s nine principles are like a guide for mastering life with discipline and intention. They’re about turning struggle into strength and seeing challenges as paths to growth. Here’s how to use them in your life—especially in high school—so you stay ahead, unshakable, and always leveling up. 🏆

🎯Introduction

Definition: Small details often reveal big insights.Example: "If I skip studying little by little, it builds up until I’m behind. Little wins also add up, so I focus on the details."Application: Stay consistent with small efforts. Whether it’s a single math problem or five minutes of extra studying, small wins add up to big successes.

⚙️8. Pay Attention to the Little Things 🧐📋

6. Develop Intuitive Judgment: Check in with yourself about balance—study hard, but don’t burn out.7. See What Can’t Be Seen: Notice if studying makes you feel more confident and less stressed.8. Pay Attention to the Little Things: Stick to small habits, like reviewing notes each day.9. Do Nothing Which is of No Use: Cut out distractions during your study time; keep your focus sharp.

Solution: Applying Musashi’s Strategy Principles Step-by-Step

Definition: Use your instincts wisely, especially when you don’t have all the information.Example: "When I sense someone isn’t being genuine, I pay attention and ask questions instead of just ignoring it."Application: Practice listening to your intuition. If something feels off, trust yourself enough to investigate further or avoid the situation.

🔍 6. Develop Intuitive Judgment and Understanding 🌌🧠

Definition: Be brutally honest with yourself about your strengths and flaws.Example: "When I avoid my weaknesses, I’m holding myself back. Instead of ignoring my struggles in math, I admit it’s hard for me and seek help."Application: Ask yourself, “What am I avoiding? What am I not admitting?” Then take one action—like studying more or asking questions—to start improving.

🔥 1. Don’t Think Dishonestly 💯

Definition: To become truly skilled, learn the basics of everything around you.Example: "When I understand how each class works—math, science, history—it’s easier to connect ideas and think creatively."Application: Don’t skip over different subjects; study a bit from each one. Ask yourself, “How does this subject connect with my main goals?”

🖋️ 4. Know the Ways of All Professions 🔧⚔️

"I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times."

<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Don’t Think Dishonestly: Admit to yourself you need to study; this is your priority. Focus on what’s important for your future.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">The Way is in Training: Set a study schedule you can stick to. Every day, study a bit, even if it’s 20 minutes.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Know Every Art: Mix different study techniques, like reviewing, taking notes, and testing yourself.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Know the Ways of All Professions: Understand why studying different subjects is important for your goals.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Distinguish Between Gain and Loss: If you have to miss one hangout, remind yourself it’s for something that benefits you long-term.</li></ol>

Definition: Learn from losses, don’t dwell on them. Use them to move forward.Example: "If I lose a friend or fail a test, I focus on what I learned rather than just feeling bad."Application: After every failure or setback, write down one thing you learned. Use that lesson to make better decisions next time.

🤔 5. Distinguish Between Gain and Loss 💔🕰️📈

Definition: Be open to learning many skills because life throws various challenges.Example: "I realized I could learn something from art class that helps in science—both need patience and creativity."Application: Try a new skill or subject every month. It could be coding, drawing, or cooking; each skill adds something valuable to your mindset.

🎨3. Get to Know Every Art 🔄

Definition: Success comes from consistent practice, not sudden luck.Example: "If I want to ace exams, I need to study regularly, not cram the night before."Application: Set a daily habit, like studying for 30 minutes every day, even if you don’t feel like it. This trains discipline, which wins over talent when it’s consistent.

🥋 2. The Way is in Training 📚💪

Life’s a battlefield in its own way—whether it’s dealing with schoolwork, drama, family pressure, or friendships. These principles are here to help you navigate, make better decisions, and live with purpose. Let’s make Musashi’s wisdom simple, actionable, and relatable!

This is an analysis of Musashi’s 9 Principles of Strategy outlined in the Ground Book (aka Book of Earth) in his greatest work “The Book of 5 Rings”. Since you guys seemed to enjoy the Dokkodo video I wanted to make something similar pertaining to Musashi’s works. I found these to be incredibly insightful and interesting, more geared towards war, in my opinion than Dokkodo. Again, I saw many similarities to Stoic philosophy and the teachings of Bruce Lee. The more I learn about him or delve deeper into who he was, I see Musashi as the ultimate Warrior Philosopher. I hope you guys enjoy and let me know any suggestions below.

Song: Gymnopedie no 1 - Erik Satie
Comic: Vagabond
Transcript: https://medium.com/@thewarriorphilosophy/9-principles-of-strategy-from-the-book-of-five-rings-by-miyamoto-musashi-26419d02a1ce

Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the copyright act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.

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