Andi Thomaj

“A man who can reason over trifles will become conceited, and will take pleasure in being described as 'odd'. He will start boasting that he was born with a personality that doesn't fit well with contemporary society, and be convinced that nobody else is above him. He will surely meet with divine retribution. Regardless of what abilities a man may possess, he will be of little use if rejected by others. People don't slight those who are eager to help and serve well, and who readily exhibit humility to their associates.”
― Tsunetomo Yamamoto

“in china there was once a man who liked pictures of dragons, and his clothing and furnishings were all designed accordingly. his deep affections for dragons was brought to the attention of the dragon god, and one day a real dragon appeared before his window. it is said that he died of fright. he was probably a man who always spoke big words but acted differently when facing the real thing.”
― Tsunetomo Yamamoto, Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai

“Purity is something that cannot be attained except by piling effort upon effort.”
― Tsunetomo Yamamoto, Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai

“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.”
― Tsunetomo Yamamoto