MAKOTO 誠 - Acting Truthfully - Putting your entire being into an action

The Pen and Sword Journal - Vol 41

Often, when talking about the ideal qualities of a traditional martial artist, we often come across the term "Makoto". In essence, it means being truthful, sincere, and without deceit or hidden motives. However, like many words in the Japanese language, Makoto carries a deeper, more nuanced meaning than a simple translation can convey.

It's way more than just another inspiring or intriguing topic to discuss when someone is feeling enthusiastic. It represents a way of living and acting with complete sincerity, truthfulness, and authenticity.

Here, one might pose at least these two questions:

1- Is it possible for someone to always stay truthful and sincere?

2- Isn't discretion, deception, and misdirection part of a warrior and martial artist's strategic arsenal?

The main reason I decided to write this article is to address these two questions. While the meaning of the word Makoto can be quickly found with a Google search, I feel it's important to share my perspective on it. This is because…