When in doubt just start cutting from left to right...
"The way of revenge lies in simply forcing one's way into a place and being cut down. There is no shame in this. By thinking that you must complete the job, you will run out of time. By considering things like how many men the enemy has, time piles up; in the end, you will give up. No matter if the enemy has thousands of men, there is fulfillment in simply standing them off and being determined to cut them all down, starting from one end. You will finish the greater part of it."— Hagakure
At first glance, this passage from Hagakure may appear as a glorification of blind recklessness or fatalistic resignation. However, a closer analysis reveals profound insights into the warrior ethos, decision-making under pressure, and the psychology of action. It is not merely about charging headlong into destruction; it is about understanding the nature of purpose, the limits of planning, and the power of decisive action.
1. The Illusion of Complete Control
The passage warns against the paralysis that arises when we attempt to achieve perfect execution. The idea that one must "complete the job" reflects the human tendency to overanalyze and overplan, aiming for outcomes that are certain and flawless. But life, war, and any meaningful endeavor are inherently unpredictable.
Key Insight:
Perfection is unattainable, and the pursuit of it often leads to inaction.
Overthinking creates delays, which can ultimately result in abandoning the task altogether.
By encouraging the warrior to act immediately—without succumbing to the weight of overanalysis—Hagakure reminds us that action, even imperfect action, is more valuable than endless contemplation.
2. Courage in the Face of Overwhelming Odds
The advice to "force one's way into a place and be cut down" underscores the importance of commitment over calculation. It is not about seeking a glorious death for its own sake, but about confronting the reality that fear of failure—or fear of defeat—can be more paralyzing than the enemy itself.
Key Insight:
Facing overwhelming odds without hesitation demonstrates true resolve.
The goal is not necessarily to "win" in the traditional sense but to act with such determination that the act itself becomes transformative.
In the face of thousands, beginning "at one end" is an acknowledgment that large-scale challenges are conquered not in their entirety but through the accumulation of smaller victories.
3. The Fulfillment of Purpose
The line, "There is fulfillment in simply standing them off and being determined to cut them all down," suggests that the value of the warrior’s action lies not in the outcome but in the pursuit of their purpose. Fulfillment is found in the act of engaging fully with one’s mission, regardless of whether it ends in success or failure.
Key Insight:
Purpose-driven action gives meaning to effort, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
The focus shifts from achieving a guaranteed result to embodying the spirit of the task itself.
This idea aligns with the broader Bushido ethic, where honor is found in the commitment to one's duty, not necessarily in its completion.
4. A Warning Against Overthinking
"By considering things like how many men the enemy has, time piles up; in the end, you will give up." This line is a clear critique of the mental traps that arise when one allows external circumstances to dictate their actions. Overthinking drains resolve, fosters doubt, and ultimately leads to inertia.
Key Insight:
Excessive planning and fear of the unknown erode confidence.
The mind, left unchecked, will manufacture reasons to retreat.
The warrior’s focus must be on the immediate next step—on cutting down the enemy before them—rather than the daunting entirety of the task.
5. Applying the Wisdom Beyond Combat
While the passage is couched in the language of revenge and battle, its lessons extend far beyond the battlefield. In life, whether in personal growth, professional challenges, or creative endeavors, we often face overwhelming odds that tempt us to delay, overthink, or abandon the effort altogether.
Modern Applications:
In Work: When facing a monumental project, the key is to begin—not to dwell on the enormity of the task. Progress is made one small, deliberate action at a time.
In Leadership: True leadership lies in demonstrating resolve and acting decisively, even when conditions are imperfect or the path ahead is uncertain.
In Personal Growth: Transformation comes not from waiting for the "right" time but from confronting one’s weaknesses head-on, without hesitation.
6. The Balance Between Recklessness and Resolve
While Hagakure advocates for decisive action, it is important to distinguish between resolve and recklessness. The advice is not to act without thought, but to act without being paralyzed by thought. The warrior’s resolve must be grounded in purpose, not blind impulsiveness.
Key Insight:
Action must be rooted in clarity of purpose and commitment, not desperation or recklessness.
The warrior is prepared to "be cut down," not because they seek failure but because they accept that failure is a possibility—and they act anyway.
Conclusion: The Warrior’s Path Forward
The Hagakure passage is a call to reject hesitation, overanalysis, and the fear of imperfection. It challenges us to embrace the immediate act, to confront challenges without flinching, and to find fulfillment in the pursuit of purpose rather than the guarantee of success.
It is not a glorification of self-sacrifice but a reminder that true courage lies in unwavering action. The enemy, the challenge, or the task will not defeat you unless you let it. Start at one end, face each obstacle head-on, and move forward.
Whether on the battlefield, in the workplace, or in the trials of life, this mindset—decisive, purpose-driven, and unrelenting—is the way of the warrior.
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