Photographer Unknown, (What is Life Without Honor)

‘Nitobe Inazo, “Bushido: The Soul of Japan”, 1905, G.P. Putnam’s Sons

The Eight Virtues are:  Rectitude or Justice;   Courage;   Benevolence or Mercy;   Politeness;   Honesty and Sincerity;   Honor;   Loyalty;   Character and Self-Control.

“The sense of Honor, a vivid consciousness of personal dignity and worth, characterized the samurai. He was born and bred to value the duties and privileges of his profession. Fear of disgrace hung like a sword over the head of every samurai … To take offense at slight provocation was ridiculed as ‘short-tempered.’ As the popular adage put it: ‘True patience means bearing the unbearable.” – Nitobe Inazo, Bushido: The Soul of Japan, Chapter 8, “Honour”

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