ljs@hlhop.UUCP (08/25/83)
I have recently heard about this book - supposedly a Japanese classic involving management strategems in some way, but yet not a book about business per se. I'd be interested in reading a short review from someone on the net. Is it really worth all the brou-ha-ha? Lotta Stallman BTL Short Hills
ksf@security.UUCP (Kieth S. Fung) (08/26/83)
The Book of Five Rings is NOT REPEAT NOT a book about or for buisness. The author of the book was Myamato Musashi(?) the Sword Saint. This book is literally one of the bibles of true martial artists. This work transends Kenjitsu (the art of the sword) and is filled with deep insight and hidden meaning. No one gets the same thing out of this book, and it takes multiple readings to get anything out of it. The reason why this book is so popular with buisness "people" is that they are trying to gain an idea on strategy. Another very good book for the martial artist is The Art of War by Tzu,(now this IS an old book, it was the bible of very famous Chinese generals since it was written, around the 14 A.D.(I'm not sure exactly, but this year comes to mind) Now what really gets me ill is seeing these very important books being regulated to "Fiction"(ie. BUISNESS) with extremely vile covers of idiots in three piece suits with briefcases and newspapers opposite the pure and noble profession of samurai (buisness is NOT a noble profession). I'm sure anyone can gain something from reading these books, but the hype that the buisness profession is giving these books is ridiculous. Its like reading an engineering text to learn about psycology. You can learn about what is important to that profession and the how the author thinks about some things, but its not meant for learning psycology. The same thing can be applied to reading The Book of Five Rings and the Art of War, yes strategy can be learned, but what the hell does a buisnessperson want to learn the "stone cut" (a blow that when performed correctly, will cut thru your opponent's sword) or the way of killing your opponent by shattering the body. By the way, yes I do take the martial arts (Wu Shu, or the generic term for the Chinese martial arts). I am learning Tai Chi, Shaolin basic training, and Chang Chuan(Long Boxing). Eventually I hope to learn Pau Kua (hopefully even dragon Palm !), Leung Yi, Hsing I, some more Shaolin forms, and some weopon sets(eg. sword, spear, staff, etc.) My sifu is Master Bow Sim Mark, and although I have been studying for a relatively short time (since 1981), my interest in the martial arts has always been with me. Just out of curiosity, are their any other martial arts practitioners out there in net land, and if so, what do you study?, who is your instructor?, and how long have you studied? Keith Fung Mitre Bedford, Mass.
turner@randvax.ARPA (08/30/83)
The Book of Five Rings is a sort of textbook for feudal era Japanese warriors. It was written by Japan's most famous samurai, whose name escapes me at the moment. Japanese businessmen took up reading it and applying the strategies therein to business, which of course forced a craze over here. I've seen the book in a small nice looking hardback for a fairly outrageous sum. Scott Turner PS. Myamoto Musashi (?)