Article 1: Notice the Hidden Increase in Value

Contrary to ordinary expectations, when one value (A) rises, under certain conditions an opposing value (B) rises along with it. In this case, turning something over twice does not bring you back to where you started. Never forget that it is a spiral. Pass beyond the 180-degree point and focus on the 360-degree position.

Article 2: All Things Have Cycles and Are in Flux

Just as with history, nearly everything — my own existence, my thoughts, my ideas — has its cycles and is always changing. What remains within me becomes my individuality. But attachment should be met with the golden mean.

Article 3: Active Choice Forms the Character You Want

It is not that you can make ideal choices because you have a good or proper character. Rather, by making active choices, you gradually become the person you want to be. It is nothing but the repetition of this. Active choice requires discernment: knowing when to choose quickly and when to choose carefully.

Article 4: The Habit of Winning Creates a Virtuous Cycle

Find your own law: "If I do A, B will surely follow." Once you have achieved it three times or more, from then on the victory is already decided the moment you begin. This is especially useful when learning something. It is the same as finding a winning pattern.

Article 5: Without Shu (Learning the Form), There Can Be No Ha (Breaking It) or Ri (Transcending It)

Precisely in the things you are thinking about for the long term, do not rush toward originality. Even if it takes time, make building the foundation the top priority. By starting early on the things that grow steadily with time, you build up leverage for later. The longest way round is the shortest way home.

Article 6: Settle Every Battle Within Yourself

Concentrate on the battle with yourself, and do not plant the seeds of excuses outside yourself. Even luck should be settled within yourself, as yours to own. But when things become hard, be like drifting clouds and flowing water (kōun ryūsui). In truth, things will only turn out as they turn out, so make a conscious resolve to make them work out somehow. Know that if you believe things will work out somehow, they surely will.

Article 7: Always Focus on Building Down

Anyone can build things up over time. Doubting what you have built up, discarding it, and steadily reducing it takes courage. We tend to try to pile up as much as we can, but to update old knowledge and behavior, you must not be afraid to throw things away.