Hello Lads. This is the mind behind The Enlightened Samurai speaking directly to you. After reaching 20,000 subscribers, this newsletter needs an upgrade. Great Conquerors and Samurai School are not enough. I want to bring you more value, more impact, more transformation.

That’s why I’m introducing a weekly digest—a high-impact, no-fluff breakdown of multiple powerful ideas, designed for your growth and enjoyment.

And on top of that, I just had a life-changing experience that I need to share with you.

The next chapter of The Enlightened Samurai begins now

TODAY’S TOPICS
1. Saving Private Ryan
2. Enthusiasm
3. Positive feedback loops

Quotes of the day:

“All the things you want in life are on the other side of pain, discomfort and difficulty” - Alexander the Great

“Isn’t just existing in this world a pleasure on its own” - N/A

“Every production of genius must be the production of enthusiasm” - N/A

“Its the repetition of affirmations that lead to belief. Once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.” -Muhmmad Ali

The Life-Changing Experience

I recently watched Saving Private Ryan, and it was an absolutely thrilling experience. Everything from the cinematography to the gut-wrenching D-Day landing was stellar. I’ve always had a soft spot for those larger-than-life action films of the late ’90s and early 2000s, but this film was something truly special.

I mention this movie not just because of its incredible filmmaking, but because of the profound emotion it left in me.

To quickly recap, the film is set during the Allied invasion of Normandy in World War II. It follows a squad of soldiers tasked with finding Private Ryan, a paratrooper whose unit was dropped behind enemy lines. They are searching for Ryan because he is being discharged from service after the deaths of all his brothers in other theaters of war.

What struck me the most in this film were its final moments. By the time they find Ryan, most of the squad has been killed trying to save him. Their leader, Captain Miller, lies dying and, with his final breath, utters…

"Earn this."

Miller is telling Ryan to earn the sacrifices of the brave men who gave their lives so he could return home to his grieving mother.

Imagine how Ryan must have felt.

He must have felt incredibly empowered to rush out there and achieve great feats!

Imagine knowing that brave men laid down their lives so you could live yours. That their final moments were spent fighting tirelessly to give you a future.

That’s powerful. That’s exhilarating. That’s how you create infinite motivation.

This film gave me a deeper appreciation for filmmaking, for storytelling, for cinema that moves you and leaves a mark on your soul.

From now on, I will live my best life with this mindset. And I implore you to do the same.

My Philosophical Take: Enthusiasm😀 

One of my favorite editions I’ve ever written is The Red Samurai’s Creed on Enthusiasm. It’s message was simple:

You are not just mortal flesh. You are the undefeatable soul.

That’s why your enthusiasm should be boundless.

I love this edition because it’s my most authentic idea on living a good life. In fact, I believe it’s the most valuable lesson in this newsletter:

Enthusiasm is the greatest tool for happiness.

When researching for this edition, I was bombarded with quote after quote on the importance of enthusiasm. Genius, charisma, passion, purpose—enthusiasm fuels them all. The greatest leaders, scientists, mathematicians, and philosophers? They all say the same thing.

Enthusiasm is what makes infants so joyful to be around—they radiate it.

The most magnetic, charismatic people you’ve ever met? They overflow with enthusiasm.

The people who win in life, who solve its greatest challenges, who make a real impact are always the ones who bring relentless enthusiasm to what they do.

Here’s the funny thing—this enthusiasm comes from a shift in perspective.

It comes from realizing that you are here to experience life in its totality—the good, the bad, the ugly. It’s a temporary journey, but you? You are unbreakable, unconquerable, unfathomable. Your are the greatest thing to ever exist.

And knowing that? how can I not be enthusiastic?