"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."
In this book, the term ikigai is translated as the bliss of always being busy. Ikigai is actually a combination of your passion, your mission and your profession. This book answers some basic questions as to why some people keep doing what they have been doing for years tirelessly even though it's the same things over and over again, say, actors, writers, bloggers, artists and so on. Why do some people never get bored or frustrated repeating doing the same things over and over again?
Now, I know this book is overhyped and a lot of us have high expectations from it. While I think the book is more about answering the basic question which we most of the time overlook. Also, it provides a ten-point compressed rule of ikigai:
1. Stay active; don’t retire.
2. Take it slow.
3. Don’t fill your stomach.
4. Surround yourself with good friends.
5. Get in shape for your next birthday.
6. Smile
7. Reconnect with nature.
8. Give thanks.
9. Live in the moment.
10. Follow your ikigai.
Overall, this book is truly uplifting. I was intrigued by the simplicity and calming tone it offers, and it captured my attention till the end. The book unleashes the Japanese Zen philosophy, inspiring the readers to search and discover.
I highly recommend it, I read it in English, its language is easy
Miyamoto Musashi wrote this book briefly before his death. The book must be read diligently since every sentence has two meanings. One is actual advice for a fighter and the other is about the warrior mentality, which is something everyone
