Musashi's Book of Five Rings. Stephen F. Kaufman

it is foolish to try to change the nature of things. Things work the way they do because that is the Way of things. The warrior should fully understand the nature of the weapon he is using. The long sword is used in a broad manner and the short sword for in-close combat.

      Your choice of weapons does not make much difference if you understand their nature. You must also understand the purpose of their existence as well. Once this is done, you will then be able to wield any weapon that you have trained with if you have trained with all your heart. The main idea of my Way of strategy is to win. There is nothing else.

      The following is a philosophical truth. One thing does one thing, two things do four things. Think this through. If you are fighting a crowd or controlling a group, it is better to use two swords than one.

      It is very hard to explain these ideas in detail because of their intuitive nature. Once you have understood the depth of the thing you are studying, the “spirit” of all things will reveal itself to you.