Samurai philosophy, as applicable to modernity

When starting something new, like a fashion brand.

“It may seem difficult at first, but everything is difficult at first.” — Miyamoto Musashi

When deciding whether or not to respond to social media commentary.

“To give a person an opinion, one must first judge well whether that person is of the disposition to receive it or not.” — Yamamoto Tsunetomo

On throwing yourself wholeheartedly into what you’re doing. We replace ‘a real man’ here with ‘a person of integrity’.

“A real man does not think of victory or defeat. He plunges recklessly towards an irrational death. By doing this, you will awaken from your dreams.” — Nabeshima Naoshige

When plagued by self-doubt after seeing the work of someone you admire.

“It is spiritless to think that you cannot attain to that which you have seen and heard the masters attain. The masters are men. You are also a man. If you think that you will be inferior in doing something, you will be on that road very soon.” ― Yamamoto Tsunetomo

On choosing to gamble everything to pursue your passion.

“There is nothing we should be quite so grateful for as the last line of the poem that goes, 'When your own heart asks.'” ― Yamamoto Tsunetomo