The Book of Five Rings

Musashi was a Japanese swordsman and philosopher who lived around 1600 and reportedly engaged in 60 duels without defeat. This adaptation of Musashi’s 17th-century treatise centres on what he considers the art forms of confrontation and victory. Strategic thinking, concentration, appropriate caution and work ethic are central components to them. The book is said to reflect the traditional Japanese approach to life and according to the publishers it has become a classic in the US business community. There, it is also studied as a text on Japanese management techniques. Musashi’s work has further been described as a guide to enlightenment, providing the wisdom necessary for success in many endeavours.