On this episode of the Evolution of Excellence podcast, host Matt Demaiter introduces the audience to the world of the Samurai. Specifically, the history of the Samurai class is introduced with a focus on late feudal japan, and the early edo period (late 1500s - early 1600s). Topics such as armour, the evolution of the class, and the Samurai identity are discussed. Miyamoto Musashi is then introduced as an influential Samurai warrior turned philosopher. Miyamoto Musashi's life history is discussed before Matt looks at his life and his writing to look for applicable learnings to modern life. We learn four lessons, two from his work in the dokkōdō, and two from his life. We learn the importance of avoiding greed and regret. From the go-rin-no-sho we apply Musashi's belief that art is the way to fill your emptiness. Lastly, we talk about how to improve your physical abilities through the famous Musashi quote "One thousand days to forge, Ten thousand days to refine".

TOPICS

(00:00) - Welcome back

(00:30) - Introduction

(01:12) - Samurai equipment

(02:28) - History of the Samurai

(04:50) - The life of Miyamoto Musashi

(08:10) - The Book of Five Rings (Go-Rin-No-Sho)

(10:16) - The Path Walked Alone (Dokkōdō)

(11:36) - Learnings from Musashi on greed

(12:30) - Learnings from Musashi on regret

(13:23) - Learnings from Musashi on fulfillment

(13:55) - Learnings from Musashi on physical training

(15:00) - Conclusion

SOURCES

Book: The Complete Musashi: The Book of Five Rings and Other Works by Alexander Bennett

https://www.worldhistory.org/Edo_Period/

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2127.html#:~:text=The%20samurai%20(or%20bushi)%20were,and%20symbol%20was%20the%20sword.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_armour

https://livrustkammaren.se/en/royal-history/royal-histories/arms-and-armour/japanese-swords/#

PEOPLE MENTIONED

Alexander Bennett - Japanologist / Author

Malcom Gladwell - Author

Theodore Rosevelt - 26th U.S. President