Comparative Philosophy of Bushido

Bushido and the Resolution to Die: Impulsive Action

Bushidō is translated as “the way of the warrior.” This definition is limiting due to the fact that Bushidō is a concept that forms the cultural and moral foundation for all of Japan, not just the samurai class of yesteryear. It does not relate to a particular ritual propriety but rather describes the manner in which all action is carried out. Bushidō is more properly defined in Hagakure, the definitive Japanese text on Bushidō, as a “resolution to die.” From this “resolution to die” and “mania for death” arises the necessary truth that only the “very now” moment exists. It is important to expressly establish that this “resolution to die” relates to the separation of self-interest from one’s moral code and ritual propriety. Fear of death arises due to our own self-interest. All these factors lead to impulsive action being favored over calculated deliberation. While I do have several concerns relating to the appropriateness of impulsive action in specific situations as well as a grounded belief that there exists a certain level of inherent self-interest within every individual, I believe that impulsive action is the ultimate course of action for an individual to strive towards.

Impulsive action is the only type of action that can exist once an individual severs self-interest from their morality. The response to a situation is immediate if no weight is given to the potential personal consequences of the action. Impulsive action is not to be confused with the actions of an individual who is brash and acts immediately due to a lack of control over their emotions. Deliberation occurs when self-interest takes precedence and the personal consequences of an action are given weights and compared. Doing one’s utmost to follow and defend one’s particular ritual propriety/morality necessarily involves the casting away of self-interest. Impulsive action is thus the ultimate form of ethical action according to Bushidō. The...