The Last Samurai: The Way of the Lifelong Learner

As long as I can remember I have always had a fascination with Japanese History and Culture.

This is why collecting Anime, studying the language and listen to J-Pop are the hobbies I indulge in regularly.

With that said, it should be no surprise for me to be drawn to profound lessons within an American movie with a Japanese backdrop. I've gathered more bits of wisdom from, The Last Samurai, than I can describe here with any kind of brevity.

I've chosen to talk about The Last Samurai because the main character is someone I identified with in a heart beat. He is a lost soul, who hates himself for what he's done and become. I know and remember those feelings well myself (It should also be noted that I no longer feel this way).

Nathan makes two observations:

• Samurai means to serve in Japanese.
• Samurai live in a disciplined pursuit of Mastering a skill.

In other words, Samurai are Lifelong Learners, who gave all they had to their sole occupation--WAR--in service to the emperor. While Japanese opinion is that Samurai were more corrupt than the idealized versions in this movie I think these characters carry important message.

I've watched the movie a dozen times and still feel a sweep of emotion come over me, just as it did the very first time.

First Lesson: Living a life honing ones skills to serve others is never a wasted life.

My favorite moment in the movie, however, teaches another important lesson--to be added to the whole. The following is a brief dialog within the scene.  Nathan (Cruise's character) and one of the  samurai Nobutada, have an exchange as Nathan is being taught to use a sword.

Nobutada:  "Please, excuse. To many mind."

Nathan:  "To many Mind?"

Nobutada:  "Mind the sword. Mind the people watching. Mind your enemy. To many mind." (Pausing a second he nods and continues) "No Mind."

Nathan regains his feet, repeating those two words 'No Mind" and continues with his training. I am partial to this scene because...

Lesson Two: Nobutada is speaking to a kind of quietness of self. He reminded me that when you are collected and focused the outside interference makes no difference.

Putting it all together collectively leaves me with lifelong learning, laser-like focus and giving myself to the service of others.

The Way of the Lifelong Learner. What could be more necessary?

Have you seen the movie? Did you glean any insights from this motion picture?

Share your thoughts in the comments below. :)

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Tim Draayer is a networker, entreprenuer, personal development evangelist and self proclaimed lifelong learner. He's also the author of Network Marketing Journey, a blog about growth in business and life--with stories of his journey althroughout.

Comments

[Joanna Young]

Fascinating Tim. I haven't seen the film but will make a point of watching it now.

Laser-like focus - I could do with some of that. Focus on the things that really matter (and leave myself some indulgence to play with other things when the important stuff is done)

Joanna

[David Zinger]

Tim:

I loved your line: Putting it all together collectively leaves me with lifelong learning, laser-like focus and giving myself to the service of others.

I need to watch this movie again. I was not aware that Samurai means to serve and wedded with the disciplined pursuit of mastering a skill that is really strong.

Thanks for the reminder of a movie I will watch again.

David

[Karen Swim]

I was blown away by this powerful message. Those lessons speak to the depth of my belief and add clarity to thoughts I had not been able to articulate. Thank you so much for this incredible insight!

[Tim Draayer]

Joanna - Obviously the recommendation to watch this particular movie goes without saying, but yes, I think you should check it out. :)

I think we all struggle with the focus factor and not just in work. Sometimes focusing on the important things can mean family, friends or simply our passions. The things which bring us joy.

David - You're more than welcome. Quite the pursuit in life, is it not?

Karen - Thank you so much for the kind words. I've come to realize that my purpose in life is to inspire and help others to resurrect their dreams.

I can't even begin to express what it means to hear from people when my articles have helped them. So, again, I say thank you.

[Steve Sherlock]

Tim, thanks, this has been on the long possible list but naver made it to the top (I don't watch many movies) but now it has a new position.

[Tim Draayer]

Steve - Cool, you'll have to let me know what you think of it when you do get around to watching it. :)

[Karen Wallace]

Tim, you're studying Japanese to speak? Wow!

I have seen The Last Samurai a couple of times, and every time I think what a beautiful message his training in the mountains gives us. The acceptance of the woman (I forget her name), and the trust of the children... and the most poignant of all, 'no mind' - as you so wisely pointed out.

I highly recommend it Steve and Joanna, but be warned, it is fairly gory in parts.

[Tim Draayer]

Karen - It would be more accurate to say that I'm casually pursuing the language in spare time. I learn more about the language each time I watch a show or listen to music too.

The Japanese woman's name is Taka. Isn't she graceful?

You're right, and you pointed out some of the other things I also picked up from the film but wasn't able to detail here. Thanks for that!

[Lodewijk]

And another movie I need to watch again soon. I remember that I loved it, but haven't watched it in a long time. I realize now that I hardly watch movies anymore, although I always enjoyed it.

But these posts are definitely having me rethink why I don't take the time to sit down for a movie and get lost in the story and absorb the lessons that are in there for me.

[Tim Draayer]

Lodewijk - Movies are a great way to relax, especially for us hard working folks, eh? I find that these stories weave wonderful lessons into them and its a shame that many people miss the lessons all together.

Glad to see another one of our Twitter friends here.

Talk to you in Twitterland!