🍀  SAMURAI WAY OF THINKING

Hey there, it's Manav! Welcome to Early Adopters, my newsletter.

✨ Every Monday, I'll be sharing my thoughts on productivity, life lessons, and helpful tips, all based on what I've learned throughout the week.

This weekly newsletter is my way of reflecting on life and keeping track of the fascinating things I discover or come to understand. It's also a promise to myself and all of you to stay mindful and curious and engaged with life's many lessons.

Each issue will dive into specific topics, and I'll be sure to add my own spin to them. So, grab a cup of joe and get ready for some weekly wisdom!

SAMURAI WAY OF THINKING

The Samurai were a group of warriors in ancient Japan who followed a unique way of thinking. Here are 5 important ideas they believed in, with stories to explain them:

• Bushido - The Way of the Warrior: This code of conduct emphasized loyalty, honor, and self-discipline above all else. It required samurai to be willing to die for their lord and to live with the utmost integrity.

  Story: When the warlord Takeda Shingen asked his strategist, Yamamoto Kansuke, for advice on a difficult battle, Kansuke suggested sending a small group to set fire to the enemy's camp. Although initially hesitant, Takeda agreed. When they succeeded, Kansuke explained that he only did what was expected of a samurai.

• Gi - Rectitude or Righteousness: Samurai were expected to act honestly and fairly, even if it meant going against their superiors.

  Story: Samurai Miyamoto Musashi was called to showcase his sword skills by a powerful lord. After defeating the lord's retainers, the lord asked him to become his retainer. Musashi refused, stating that he couldn't serve a dishonorable lord.

• Yu - Courage: Samurai were supposed to face danger without fear and be willing to risk their lives for their lord, family, and honor.

  Story: Samurai Kusunoki Masashige remained loyal to the emperor during a civil war. Outnumbered, he inspired his men with the words, "I will give my life for the emperor. Follow me if you are of the same mind." Despite the eventual defeat, Kusunoki chose to end his life rather than surrender.

• Rei - Respect: Samurai were expected to show respect to everyone, regardless of their social status, and be courteous and polite.

• Story: Samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi visited a tea master named Sen no Rikyu. Hideyoshi noticed a teacup with a small crack, asking why it was not discarded. Rikyu explained that the crack gave it character and made it more beautiful. Impressed, Hideyoshi gifted Rikyu a valuable sword.

• Enryo (Restraint) - Enryo was the principle of practicing self-restraint and avoiding excess in all things. A samurai should not be controlled by their emotions or desires, but instead act with reason and moderation.

  Anecdote: The samurai Yagyu Munenori, a renowned swordsman and strategist, wrote in his book "The Book of the Samurai" that a true samurai should be "calm in all circumstances, never in a hurry, and never agitated."

What I believe:

In modern society (especially the US as compared to countries like Japan), we often observe a lack of nobility and respect, causing people to have no code of ethics towards life.

It is crucial for us to culturally adopt a code of conduct that can instill these values in our children and guide them in leading a meaningful life.

This code should emphasize the importance of respecting both our neighbors and strangers while remaining mindful of our surroundings. It should encourage a dedication to the well-being of our community or tribe.

Now, let's address the question of how all these virtues seemingly vanished so effortlessly.

Who or what should we hold accountable for this decline?

Should we blame technology for its influence and our own laziness, or are we simply individuals driven by self-indulgence and apathy?

💀 CHALLENGES 

Creating video ideas is tough because my existing videos on YouTube aren't getting much attention.

I admit I've been lazy in making more outdoor videos. I'm still figuring out how to do vlogs myself.

My plan is to hire someone to design thumbnails and come up with more original ideas.

Despite all this, I assure you that I'll be putting out some really cool videos soon.

Book📚 Courage is Calling by Ryan Holiday

Meet my kitten “MAX” We adopted him a week ago from the Shelter

Insights from the Book:

I really like Ryan Holiday's books. After I read "Trust Me, I'm Lying" by him, I fell in love with how he writes and tells stories.

"Courage is Calling" can help answer any questions you have about how to be brave. It shows you that being brave is something you can learn and get better at. It can help you become a stronger and tougher version of yourself.

Top quotes:

• "Whatever call you’re hearing right now, what matters is that you answer. What matters is that you go to it."

• "At the root of most fear is what other people will think of us."

• "A little awareness, a little empathy, it doesn’t make us soft. It gives us confidence."

• "If we wish to be great, we must first learn how to conquer fear, or at least rise above it in the moments that matter."

• "Waste not a second questioning another man’s courage. Put that scrutiny solely on your own."

• "If we don’t believe in anything, it becomes very hard to find anything worth believing in."

• "The coward waits for the stairs that will never come. They want to know the probabilities. They want time to prepare. They want assurances. They hope for a reprieve. They’re willing to give up anything to get these things, including this moment of opportunity that will never, ever come back."

• "You are here for such a brief time. On this planet. In this job. As a young, single person. Whatever. How do you want to spend it?"

• "If you fear that there isn’t anything you can do, chances are you will do nothing.