Wise Words from the Sword Saint Mushashi

For the first time in a long, time, I read The Book of Five Ringsby Miyamoto Musashi, the Sword Saint of Japan. The book is a primer for the strategy of combat. Many have read his book for enlightenment beyond the philosophy of combat—mainly for business strategy. Little did I think that I would receive enlightenment on information. It is most fitting, for Musashi is considered to be one of the greatest proponents of Dō, or the theory of a subject domain.
In the opening of the Book of Water (The Book of Five Rings’ five sections are: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and No-thing), Musashi warns his readers to make sure they distinguish between information and knowledge:

“…It should be understood that while information may be evident, knowledge is not necessarily obvious.”

Musashi goes on to say to read his words carefully and understand the meaning. Just reading the words would inform the reader, while understanding the text would bring knowledge. Musashi placed the burden of knowledge and enlightenment on the reader.

Does this apply to information today? Yes, Musashi’s words ring true today as they did when he wrote them-especially the distinction between information and knowledge. While there may be a great burden on the reader to comprehend knowledge, there is also a great responsibility placed on the author of content. If the information provided is not clear and correct and presented in a way for high comprehension, then only the most astute reader might gain comprehension.