Perfection

However, men are not perfect in any aspect of their lives, no matter the amount of time, effort, and energy they put into their search for perfection. The virtue of perfection is that it is always just beyond a man’s reach.  This is good. If perfection were attainable then it would have no value - there would be no reason to pursue it. In this light, always know the strengths and weaknesses of yourself and your enemy. 

Miyamoto Musashi - Book of five rings

The pussyfication of men

I, 36. 

I once heard that the physician Matsugumasaki-no-Kyöan said, "In the profession of medicine, treatments for men and women are meted out differently in accordance with positive and negative energy (yin-yang). The pulse of man is different to that of a woman. Still, in the past five decades or so, the variance between the pulses between the sexes has become indistinguishable. Since noticing this, I have modified my treatment of eye ailments in men to comply with how I treat women. Male patients show little response to traditional male treatments. I have come to the realisation that manly essence is absent in many of them, and they have become very feminine as a sign of worsening times. "

After hearing this, I realized how true it was; so many men now seem to have the pulse of a woman. There are a few who can be thought of as a real man. This means that one man can surpass others by making just a small effort. 

HAGAKURE

 

How to drink properly

I. 23. One should always be careful to behave properly at social gatherings. Careful observation of revelries show that the majority of men are resigned to getting totally drunk. Partaking in alcohol is pleasurable as long as one ceases consumption at an appropriate time. It looks vulgar if one behaves recklessly, and it is an indication of one's character and [low] level of refinement. When drinking, the warrior should be aware that eyes are always upon him. Act appropriately in public.

HAGAKURE