Deep Blue

In reflecting on Benjamin Franklin’s comment (see Thomas Paine post below) during the signing of the Declaration of Independence that “We must all hang together, or we surely will all hang separately”, I am reminded of another of Franklin’s ideas. At the outset of the American push for independence, Franklin published the following “Join or Die” woodcut/political cartoon, that was intended to demonstrate the need for unity amongst the colonies.

Franklin knew that the UK would divide and (re)conquer the colonies, were there dissention in the ranks. He also knew that our best chance of success (in all things) was cohesiveness.

Some say this graphic was the origin of the original flag of the United States, the Gadsden Flag.

The rattle snake is an American original: no one had seen anything like it in the “Old World”. It keeps to itself, takes care of itself, and is dangerous only when threatened. It was for these reasons that it was used on the Gadsden Flag.

Speaking of fire…

You’ve honored me, many of you, with wishes for a happy birthday. I will have to reflect upon my luck in knowing all of you tomorrow morning.

In return, I offer wise words from one of my favorite Mind[s] on Fire.

A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature.

Soyen Shaku, the first Zen teacher to come to America, said: “My heart burns like fire but my eyes are as cold as dead ashes.“ This is akin to Musashi-san’s request that we think lightly of ourselves, and deeply of the world.

The following are rules that he practiced every day of his life.

In the morning before dressing, light incense and meditate.

Retire at a regular hour. Partake of food at regular intervals. Eat with moderation and never to the point of satisfaction.

Receive a guest with the same attitude you have when alone. When alone, maintain the same attitude you have in receiving guests.

Watch what you say, and whatever you say, practice it.

When an opportunity comes do not let it pass by, yet always think twice before acting.

Do not regret the past. Look to the future.

Have the fearless attitude of a hero and the loving heart of a child.

Upon retiring, sleep as if you had entered your last sleep. Upon awakening, leave your bed behind you instantly as if you had cast away a pair of old shoes.

I’ve had a few questions from you all about Miyamoto Musashi (the author of the tagline above on my blog’s masthead)

Musashi is the author of several works of philosophy, such as The Book of Five Rings, and the Dokkodo, “The Way to be Followed Alone”. The full text is here. Musashi was a ronin, or masterless samurai, in the early 17th Century in Japan (The Edo Period). The term ronin captures merely one facet of his life. He was also an accomplished calligrapher, sculpter, painter, farmer, and philosopher. He trained constantly, in many disciplines (both martial and otherwise). Most of this training was done alone.

Days before dying, he gave us the Dokkodo. This is the original.

Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in a few words.
- Apocrypha

Mr. Paine both challenges and consoles us today, given that ’tis the season of the U.S.’s Declaration of Independence, the original American Suicide Pact. Benjamin Franklin supposedly said on the day of its signature “We must all hang together, or we surely will all hang separately”. True words from a true wordsmith.

And to give credit where due to another wordsmith par excellence, I believe Paine’s words are as true now as they were when he wrote them, in “The Crisis” (aka “The American Crisis”).

THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.

- Thomas Paine