The Courage of a Samurai: Seven Sword-Sharp Principles for Success by Lori Tsugawa Whaley is a most incredible book. I am not a huge
fan of self-help books, having read a few and decided that many sort of chewed
over the same advice. This is not a self-help book. This is a book that awakens
those dim memories of being taught when young how to live properly, of doing
the right thing, and living a life of integrity and moral uprightness. In the
preface the author speaks about things that will have readers nodding in
agreement—how do you live your life according to principles when most people
these days seem to have tossed ethics, integrity, truthfulness, and honour out
the window? How can one pursue a life of doing what is right when everyone else
seems to be doing what they want or what they think is right for them? How does
one live ethically in a society dominated by materialism, selfishness, and the
prevailing ideology of “me first!” in society and government.
The author uses the code of bushido, the principles of the
samurai, the code of chivalry that permeates Japanese society, to awaken in
readers what we know is right, and to encourage us to pick up those principles
and use them, making our lives worthy and honourable. The author introduces the
history and culture of Japan, the rise of the samurai class, the way of the
warrior, in an engaging way that makes the history lesson really palatable and
enjoyable. You’ll love learning these facts which open the reader’s eyes to
Japanese society and behaviour, especially in times of terrible disasters.
Each chapter is devoted to a principle: Courage, Integrity, Benevolence,
Respect, Honesty, Honour, and Loyalty. Each chapter is prefaced with a kanji,
the Japanese ideogram for the meaning of the word. I found this so interesting
and unusual. Lori uses stories of great and memorable people, many of them humble
folk who would not consider themselves to be great or extraordinary at all—their
deeds of heroism, their acts of selflessness, their “doing the right thing” illustrate
that people who maintained these principles in their lives and actions rose to
stand out above the rest. Much of this heroism happened during World War II and
some stories brought me to tears. Lori also outlines the history of the
Japanese people in the USA and their shocking treatment at the hands of the American
government during the war, with the internment camps and alien classification
because they were Japanese.
The book is so beautifully laid out in a way that facts and
figures do not overwhelm the reader, but can be absorbed easily. Lori’s tone is
conversational and laid-back, but amazingly enough, she manages to cover much ground
and deep thinking in this fashion. This review cannot accommodate just how much
interesting information is covered, and the author’s incredible research is
very evident. I learned a great deal and my views on what is the right way to
conduct oneself during life were reinforced. Relevant and appropriate quotes
from leaders, philosophers, philanthropists, humanitarians, and deep thinkers
are included as well.
I have always been fascinated with Japan, the samurai class, the
way of the warrior, and I absolutely love the story of the 47 Ronin who
sacrificed themselves to avenge the needless death of their master, to put
right a great wrong. The fact that these samurai are still celebrated in
Japanese culture today speaks volumes for what they stood for.
The author aims to inspire, empower, and educate readers, and by
the end of this book, your faith in doing what you know is right, living by
what could be construed as “old fashioned” values is reinforced. You’ll be
inspired to forge your own warrior’s code and create a life of success and
meaningfulness, using principles that will help you face and conquer today’s
challenges, both personally and professionally. This is a must-read for anyone
interested in finding the keys to creating a life lived well and lived
worthily. Thought provoking, spiritual, and very moving. A stellar achievement
by Lori Tsugawa Whaley.
