This first volume of Yagyu Munenori's treatise on martial philosophy is about being observant and adaptable, and is a lesson in how to progress on difficult paths. He entreats us to observe what is around us, evaluate our own motivations, and find peace with ourselves such that we can ensure that our actions promote life. After 14 years of training in the martial arts passed down from the Yagyu family, and applying the lessons in business and education, the author has divided up Munenori's text into three parts: 1) The Why - As with everything, the motivations behind what we do are the most important. This section applies to all of our actions, and has us evaluate our intentions to ensure that we promote life. 2) The What - In the second section Munenori outlines skills that we should aspire to attain for any interaction with others during conflict, be it a duel or a debate. 3) The How - Finally he goes into three methodologies on how we can work to attain the skills outlined previously. These methodologies are useful for working to learn, or teach, any difficult skillsets.