The Swordless Samurai

Tim Clark

• 08 juli 2008
• 9780312382339

Samenvatting:

Japan, during most of its history, has been ruled by its all-powerful Emperors. Hideyoshi, who called himself the Swordless Samurai, is the Japanese Horatio Alger. He was of peasant origin, but by bonding to Lord Nobunaga, Hideyoshi secured a powerful patron. This title tells about Hideyoshi's leadership and success precepts.



Japan, during most of its history, has been ruled by its all-powerful Emperors. But in the 16th century - called by the Japanese the Age of Warring Clans - regional potentates were endlessly fighting one another with their small armies of samurai warriors.Hideyoshi, who called himself the Swordless Samurai, is the Japanese Horatio Alger. He was of peasant origin, but by bonding to powerful Lord Nobunaga, and by being useful to him day and night, Hideyoshi secured a powerful patron. Much later, Hideyoshi broke all class barriers and ultimately became the most powerful man in Japan.Hideyoshi has long been immortalised - so much so that every schoolboy in Japan is taught the moral that good judgement, keen intelligence, and sharp wits will win out over your adversaries almost every time.Hideyoshi's leadership and success precepts are embedded in the narrative as Hideyoshi wins many bloodless battles. He also won many victories, and analyzes his rise to supreme leadership. His sense of what it took -drive, shrewdness, anticipation, and determination - is readily understandable to a western businessman or businesswoman today.