I recently had a quite pleasant email exchange with a reader that reminded me of an important point that so many would-be tough guys “forget”. Or to be more accurate, never learn, because often they are not actually as tough as they would like, and sometimes, even if they are actually talented at violence, they still have some deep insecurities that make them far from happy people.
Samurais were certainly excellent at performing and facing violence at a moment’s notice, with little qualms about the cost to themselves, but they also were taught to master art, painting, poetry and music. A man who can only do violence without the ability to appreciate and enjoy beauty is little more than a humourless soldier, or a thug.
The word Samurai means servant, because it was understood that their purpose (ideally) was the protection of the House of their Damyo, and as such the protection of his lands and peasants and villagers.
It is true, that a constantly laughing “samurai” or one that is happy only when he is well into his sake cups is undignified, because after all, if your business is violence, it is only right that you be of generally sober mind. Aware, alert, yet relaxed. Which certainly means you should be able to appreciate a clear, sunny day, the singing of a bird, the floating of a butterfly or of falling snow, and be able to smile at the running of a child, the squeal of delight or laughter of of their games, the appreciation of the character of a well behaved pet, like a dog, or of a wild one, for that matter.
To be able to smile, or laugh when called for, and be able to see the lighter side of life even when in a difficult, or even life-threatening situation, need not be a loss of focus from the task at hand, and certainly shouldn’t distract you from what is important. But if you are unable to be joyful and kind because you have this idea of being a grim, man’s man, then, chances are, you’re just an internally weak blowhard.
I believe a man should be complete, and while able to control his emotions and impulses, also able to laugh, cry, be happy or sad, as the situation calls for it, without it ever let it overbalance him one way or the other. This part of the poem should be the guiding light:
If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
“Warriors” oh so SERIOUS!
I recently had a quite pleasant email exchange with a reader that reminded me of an important point that so many would-be tough guys “forget”. Or to be more accurate, never learn, because often they are not actually as tough as they would like, and sometimes, even if they are actually talented at violence, they still have some deep insecurities that make them far from happy people.
Samurais were certainly excellent at performing and facing violence at a moment’s notice, with little qualms about the cost to themselves, but they also were taught to master art, painting, poetry and music. A man who can only do violence without the ability to appreciate and enjoy beauty is little more than a humourless soldier, or a thug.
The word Samurai means servant, because it was understood that their purpose (ideally) was the protection of the House of their Damyo, and as such the protection of his lands and peasants and villagers.
It is true, that a constantly laughing “samurai” or one that is happy only when he is well into his sake cups is undignified, because after all, if your business is violence, it is only right that you be of generally sober mind. Aware, alert, yet relaxed. Which certainly means you should be able to appreciate a clear, sunny day, the singing of a bird, the floating of a butterfly or of falling snow, and be able to smile at the running of a child, the squeal of delight or laughter of of their games, the appreciation of the character of a well behaved pet, like a dog, or of a wild one, for that matter.
To be able to smile, or laugh when called for, and be able to see the lighter side of life even when in a difficult, or even life-threatening situation, need not be a loss of focus from the task at hand, and certainly shouldn’t distract you from what is important. But if you are unable to be joyful and kind because you have this idea of being a grim, man’s man, then, chances are, you’re just an internally weak blowhard.
I believe a man should be complete, and while able to control his emotions and impulses, also able to laugh, cry, be happy or sad, as the situation calls for it, without it ever let it overbalance him one way or the other. This part of the poem should be the guiding light:
If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
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By G | 17 February 2023 | Posted in Social Commentary