Musashi's Nine Articles

Miyamoto Musashi is believed to be the greatest swordsman who ever lived in Japan.  He lived in the 17th century and was undefeated in over 60 duels to the death.  Later in life, he devoted himself to Zen and taught select students his famous two sword style, Niten Ichi Ryu, which he created.  Musashi is also the author of the Book of Five Rings (Go Rin No Sho), a book on strategy, philosophy, and tactics still widely read today.
What I present today is a guideline for living which he devised for himself and his students.

Miyamoto Musashi's Nine Articles
1. Do not think dishonestly.
2. Constantly forge body and mind.
3. Become acquainted with all of the arts.
4. Know something about every craft.
5. Learn to gauge the merits and demerits of things.
6. Develop an understanding of all matters. 
7. Perceive things which are not obvious.
8. Pay attention to the smallest details.
9. Do not waste time on nonessentials.