The Compassionate Samurai by Brian Klemmer – a review

Martial arts and warrior traits that are incorporated into living life to the fullest are ideals I especially like and study to help me better teach others to discover their Warrior’s Edge. That is why I wanted to read The Compassionate Samurai. When I found it at a used bookstore, I immediately incorporated it into my reading. There were parts of The compassionate Samurai: Being Extraordinary in an Ordinary World by Brian Klemmer that I really liked and agree with. These parts run parallel to my own Warrior’s Edge teachings. But there were other parts that I didn’t connect as well with. I’m not sure why I didn’t connect as strong with some elements of the book, but that doesn’t mean I don’t recommend it, because I do.

The basic tenants of the book: commitment, personal responsibility, contribution, focus, honesty, honor, trust, abundance, boldness, knowledge, and finishing strong are all exemplary and traits that I believe we should all study and live by. I really like that the book focuses on these as ways to be extraordinary and live life to the fullest. It was just at times, maybe when Klemmer was discussing his faith or writing about his company and finances that I felt a bit disconnected with the book.

Klemmer says a Compassionate Samurai is a bold, ethical, results-producing person who makes a difference for others as well as himself. I think that is a fantastic ideal to live up to, and if a person implements the lessons Klemmer writes in this book, he or she will be on their way to being such a person.

I really think there are a lot of gems of wisdom in this book, and for anyone who wants to live a more powerful life of serving others, this is a great read to help you with that direction. I’ve always believed that the traits found in the military and warrior classes throughout history can be used as a model for more honorable living, and Klemmer incorporates these well throughout “The Compassionate Samurai.” Klemmer is a graduate of the United States Military Academy, so his background in the military and warrior philosophy and training doesn’t come just from reading, but from living it. I appreciate that.

I felt the strongest chapters were those on focus, honesty and honor, and that the chapter on abundance was the chapter that I connected the least with. And even saying that, the entire book should be read.  There are important parts in every chapter, and it is incorporating all of the tenants and traits this book covers that will enrich a person’s life to the fullest. My advice is to read the entire book and then go back and read those parts you connect with the most again. Incorporate those traits that will help you live more powerfully by serving others and being the best you can possibly be. Do that, and in my words you’ll discover your warrior’s edge and live the life that Klemmer calls the passionate samurai.

Check out The Compassionate Samurai at amazon: