The Ancient Code of the Samurai: A Modern Man's Guide to Bushido

Lifestyle
June 20, 2025

The Ancient Code of the Samurai: A Modern Man’s Guide to Bushido

By Frank O'Day

Ever wondered what we could learn from history’s most dedicated warriors? The samurai weren’t just skilled fighters, they lived by a code called Bushido that’s surprisingly relevant today. As a modern bloke living in Australia, I’ve found these ancient Japanese principles offer some solid wisdom for navigating life’s challenges.

Let’s break down the eight virtues that made the samurai tick:

1. Rectitude (Gi)

Think of this as your moral compass. It’s about doing what’s right, even when no one’s watching. Here’s how you can incorporate rectitude:

Own up to mistakes at work.
Have necessary, albeit difficult, conversations.
Stand by your commitments.

2. Courage (Yu)

Not the jumping-off-cliffs kind (though sometimes it feels like that). It’s about backing yourself when it matters:

Speak up in meetings.

Stand against workplace bullying.

Make that career change you’ve been putting off.

3. Benevolence (Jin)

Basically, don’t be a dickhead. Help others out. Here are some ways to show benevolence:

Mentor a junior colleague.

Help your elderly neighbour with their groceries.

Perform small acts of kindness daily.

4. Respect (Rei)

This one’s huge. It’s about treating everyone, from your boss to the barista, with genuine respect:

Listen more than you speak.

Try to understand where others are coming from.

Practice active listening.

5. Honesty (Makoto)

Keep it real. No BS, no sugar-coating:

Be straight-up with people to build trust.

Be transparent in your actions.

Avoid lying to keep life simpler.

6. Honour (Meiyo)

Your reputation follows you everywhere. Build it through consistent, honourable actions:

Be someone others can count on.
Act with integrity in all situations.
Uphold your personal and professional commitments.

7. Loyalty (Chugi)

Stick by your mates, your family, your team. Loyalty doesn’t mean blind following:

Be there when it counts.
Have each other’s backs.
Support your loved ones and colleagues through thick and thin.

8. Self-Control (Jisei)

This might mean skipping that third beer, holding your tongue when angry, or staying focused on your goals:

Set clear personal limits and adhere to them.
Practice mindfulness to manage impulses.
Prioritise long-term goals over short-term temptations.

Conclusion

Sure, some might say these principles are outdated, but I reckon they’re more important than ever in our fast-paced, often superficial world. You don’t have to become a samurai, just take what works for you and make it your own.

Think about which of these virtues speaks to you most. Maybe start with one and see how it changes your day-to-day life. After all, being a better man isn’t about dramatic gestures; it’s about the small choices we make every day.