This book provides English translations of the essential thoughts and teachings of 55 great Samurai leaders-from Takeda Shingen and Oda Nobunaga to Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu-the men who unified Japan and established a system of government that survived for generations. These teachings cover universal themes ranging from courage and ambition to the various strategies needed when dealing with friends as well as enemies, how to motivate others, the value of art and literature-even how to save money! Japan's mighty Samurai dealt with weighty issues of life, death and survival on a daily basis. But they were not merely fighters; they combined the Eastern ideals of cultural awareness and artistic ability with great discipline and clear strategic thinking. Their writings and the anecdotes about them are informed by a broad range of interests that are still highly relevant in today's world.