A favorite story

I first read this story in Psychology Today when I was in junior high and just found it again online. I still think about it when I see those ammosexual ads on FB touting concealed carry and large ammo magazines.

Tsukahara Bokuden, a legendary sword fighter in 16th century Japan, was best known for his wisdom. Bokuden had three sons. He wanted to test them to see how prepared they were to be independent. To do so, he put a heavy headrest on top of the door and left it partly open. Then, he called his oldest son, Hikoshiro.

Hikoshiro walked up to the door and pushed it carefully. He noticed that it was heavier than normal and figured that something had changed.

Hikoshiro carefully felt along the upper edge of the door. There, he discovered the headrest and gently took it down. Bokuden was pleased with his son, but he didn’t show it. Later, his son left the room and left the headrest where he had found it.

A few days later, Bokuden tested his second son the same way. When his father called him, Hikogoro headed to the door. Without thinking twice, he pushed it open. The headrest fell, but the boy was so agile that he caught it midair. Then, he put it back in its place.

Bokuden then called his youngest son. Hikoroku rushed to the door and pushed it open enthusiastically. The headrest fell and hit his chonmage (a traditional Japanese hairstyle). When the boy felt the headrest hit his bun, he took out his sword and cut the object in two before it hit the ground.

Bokuden cut off Hikoroku and sent him into exile. He sent Hikogoro away for more training. He awarded Hikoshiro his inheritance then and there, since he showed the greatest wisdom.

The lesson here is that the most valuable skill is to anticipate danger and prevent it, not merely react to it.