Ideals of the Samurai (History &
Philosophy Series) by William Scott
Wilson
Twelve Unique Old Translated Writings On Bushido
An anthology of 12 samurai manuscripts showing the meaning and guiding
principles of samurai life.
Personal Review: Ideals of the Samurai (History & Philosophy
Series) by William Scott Wilson
Translator William Scott Wilson offers us something unique with this book,
first published in 1982 by Ohara. I can't recall any other source which
includes this many specific writings on bushido (the warrior-gentleman's
path)--there are 12 documents in this book, all written by different
members of the warrior classes, dating from the 13th century (Hojo
Shigetoki's "Message of Master Gokurakuji") to the 17th century (Kuroda
Nagamasa's "Notes on Regulations").These writings aren't what many of
us 21st century martial artists have been conditioned to expect. I found

more homespun advice and common sense relative to the era these men
lived in than the stereotypical talk of honor and giri (duty). Much of this
advice is still sound today. An example taken from the 700+ year old
"Message of Master Gokurakuji" by Hojo Shigatoki:"One should not talk
about the faults of others, even as a joke. For even though one may think
of it as a joke, to others it may be embarrassing, and this is a bad mistake.
If one would joke, he should joke about things that are pleasurable to
others. One should have restraint and deep sympathy in all things" (page
42-43)Throughout the course of Wilson's translation, it is clear to see that
the Samurai (serving warriors) were a people to whom consideration of
others, polite manners and conduct were important. This volume offers a
nice change from the linear austerity of the "Hagakure", which for many
years along with Musashi's "Book of Five Spheres" has been one of the
only widely available books which set the tone for how we modern day
folks think of Samurai. In "Ideals of the Samurai", not only are many of the
writings centuries apart, but they are from different families and different
geographical areas of Japan. If you're curious about how the "old heads"
~really~ lived and what they thought about, this work is a must.
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