Training like Mishima for 7 Days

Summary

In this book review, the narrator delves into Yuki Mishima's 'Sun and Steel,' exploring the author's unique blend of bodybuilding and philosophy. Mishima's introspective work is highlighted, emphasizing his belief in the interplay between mind and body for self-improvement. The narrator shares personal insights on the value of physical exertion for mental clarity, discussing Mishima's views on pain as a catalyst for self-awareness and growth. The review concludes with a reflection on the balance between the pursuit of ascension and the importance of grounding oneself.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video discusses the book 'Sun and Steel' by Yuki Mishima, emphasizing the author's introspective nature and his unique approach to combining bodybuilding with philosophy.
• 💪 Mishima believed in the synergy between physical and mental training, suggesting that they complement each other for self-improvement.
• 🤔 The author felt that society overemphasized intellectual pursuits, undervaluing the grounded reality that physical training provides.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Mishima's personal journey with bodybuilding was a way for him to understand his own philosophy and the 'language of the flesh'.
• 🧠 The video relates the idea of training the mind to training the body, highlighting the importance of challenges and practice for advancement.
• 🏞 Mishima saw the sun as a symbol of life and strength, using it as a metaphor for his dedication to his philosophy.
• 🚫 The author argued against the avoidance of pain, stating that it is necessary for self-awareness and growth, both mentally and physically.
• 💡 Mishima's ideas resonate with modern understandings of stress and its benefits, suggesting that some stress is more beneficial than none.
• 🧘‍♂️ The video script touches on the concept of 'embodied knowledge' gained through physical activities, which teaches us about our limits and capabilities.
• 🌟 The poem 'Icarus' at the end of 'Sun and Steel' reflects Mishima's contrasting thoughts on the desire for ascension and the importance of remaining grounded.
• 🔄 The video concludes with a personal reflection on the balance between body and mind, and the emotional impact of training like Mishima.

Q & A

What book is being reviewed in the video script?

The book being reviewed is 'Sun and Steel' by Yukio Mishima.

Why does the speaker find Mishima's work fascinating?

The speaker finds Mishima's work fascinating because it is deeply introspective, almost as if the author is trying to understand himself through his novels.

What is the main theme of 'Sun and Steel' according to the speaker?

The main theme of 'Sun and Steel' is the combination of building muscle with philosophy, exploring the interplay between physical strength and intellectual thought.

How does the speaker plan to conduct the book review?

The speaker plans to conduct the book review while doing their weekly workout, drawing parallels between training the mind and training the body.

What criticism does Mishima have about society's emphasis according to the speaker?

Mishima criticizes society for placing too much emphasis on intellectuality and neglecting the physical aspect of human existence.

What is Mishima's 'language of the flesh' and how does it relate to his philosophy?

Mishima's 'language of the flesh' refers to the knowledge and wisdom gained through physical activities and training, complementing intellectual pursuits and leading to a higher form of self-improvement.

How does the speaker relate Mishima's philosophy to their own life?

The speaker relates Mishima's philosophy to their own life by discussing how training the body helps ground their thoughts, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being.

What promotional product does the speaker mention and why?

The speaker mentions G Fuel's caffeine-free hydration flavors as a product that supports both mind and body by encouraging hydration and providing vitamin-fortified benefits.

What are some benefits of physical activities like sports according to Mishima?

According to Mishima, physical activities like sports provide embodied knowledge, teaching us about our limits, strengths, weaknesses, coordination, balance, endurance, and resilience to pain.

Why does the speaker value pain in the context of physical and mental training?

The speaker values pain because it reveals vulnerabilities and weaknesses, forces self-awareness and introspection, and is essential for both physical and mental growth and improvement.

What is the significance of the poem 'Icarus' at the end of 'Sun and Steel'?

The poem 'Icarus' at the end of 'Sun and Steel' reflects Mishima's contrasting thoughts on ascension and remaining grounded, symbolizing the balance between ambition and staying true to one's roots.

How does the speaker feel after trying to train like Mishima?

The speaker feels a sense of solitude and emotional reflection, gaining an improved grasp on the balance between body and mind, finding fulfillment in the effort and pain of training.