The Legend of Ronin is a good example of individualism and positive change resulting from independent thought. However, it is important to note that the outcome Leary describes in the Legend of Ronin is contextual to 8th century Japan, where feudalism reigned supreme. In this example, the independent thinkers (describing the Samurai who abandoned their feudal lords to become “masterless,”) are motivated by a goal that is in the overall best interest of the Japanese people as a whole.

I am intrigued by the notion of everyone having a little "Ronin" in themseves. I think this is important in achieving goals which may seam improbable to most. These goals are not necessarily selfish or selfless. A ronin in what I understand is someone who realizes that he is the only one who is living in his world; What I mean is that no one else can see through his eyes, therefore everyone is living in a different world and must find content through different means.

I think the legend of the ronin is very interesting and its type is seen at various levels throughout history worldwide. I think individuality is extremely important although authority and set structures are also needed for their feeling of stability and safety. There is also a degree of predictability there. Imagination and going beyond the norm is respectable and crucial to innovation and discovery.

"No man is invincible, and therefore no man can fully inderstand that which would make him invincible"

Those are the definitive first words of The Book of Earth from Miyamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings. He has been hailed as one of the greatest samurai to ever walk the face of the earth, and certainly the definition of a ronin. Though a samurai he was, it's not his government affiliation (or lack there of) that made him a ronin by today's standards. Though a master of the sword, he sought to also be the master of the brush...or the non-martialist arts. He felt it necessary to branch out and learn all aspects of art from painting to sculpture to poetry. As he reflected on his life in later years, Musashi realized that he had not walked the path of other men and had achieved mastery over himself, and sought to teach others how to mater themselves, thus Book of Five Rings was written. Being able to do so, as he says "must come from inside you without any preconcieved notions on your part." While Musashi never took to technology or bringing such things to others, it was this learning of self discipline, something so simple, that he brought to the table.

there is a little ronin in everyone i think, the part of you that wants to go out and lead a life that isnt already set in stone for you, the part that doesnt want to play by the rules, the part that rather lead than follow. but to find a true ronin anymore would be much harder. there is a part of me that wishes i could go out and do what i wanted without having my masters, or as i know them as parents.

The idea of a Ronin or cyberpunk is the ideal way of life for most people. The only problem is a little thing called society. True, in the ancient days the Ronins were looked at as important figures due to their vast abilities to find and navigate things on their own; but in today's day and age it's a bit harder to go with that way of life. Wait, bums, freeloaders, drifters, druggies, and even Leary's businesswoman can be considered a ronin. I guess a Ronin is an easy life style to obtain, but we feel as if society will revolt upon us if we turn against it. I could make an assumption that every revolutionarie was a bit of a ronin since they basically tried to change everything around to the way they wanted it to be instead of living with the forced rules and restrictions. I guess im a ronin in theory because of my careless attitude towards team sports and school spirit. Oh well....

The legend of ronin presents an interesting side of human nature. Most follow, very few lead. The samurai who followed this type of lifestyle led their own lives into whatever direction they pleased. They processed information and used it in which ever way it best suit them. I personally can not claim to follow a ronin lifestyle. The idea of living so freely seems very appealing, but I am not able to break myself of my underlying desires to follow the “right path” and “make something of myself”.

I have respect for the ronin spirit. I believe that a ronin is a free spirit who tries to walk a path through life that most people would fear to encounter. I believe that a ronin usally acts alone, and only has followers if his or her intentions become popular. I assume that some individuals who try to rally for a new cause may have good intentions (and sometimes they generally are), but they usually attract disarray and chaos. I am a ronin in some aspects (just as all people are ronin on some level), because I don't share the same beliefs as most UT students on partying and socializing. Some people are ronin because of an unconventional religion or political belief that they have. As for challenging the government or the conventions of society (as most people would apply a ronin with), I would rather leave those conventions alone.

The place of the ronin in Japanese history and in modern counterparts is quite fascinating to me. I have always thought of myself as fairly creative and capable of free thought. I do not however, think Leary's ronin ideal is for me. He rightly points out the importance of those throughout history who have abandoned rules and order to pursue their belief, their passion or their theory. This is an important part of societal evolution to be sure, but Leary's notion of a society full of ronin 'cyberpunks' is not feasible in my opinion.

I think that the legend of the Ronin is very interesting and still relevant to today's world. It's people who "think outside the box," and challenge authority that change things, often for the better. I like to believe that when necessary, I try to question and I encourage people to expand their thinking on various topics, but with my personality, I don't think I could ever be a Ronin in the true sense of the word! I'm kind of a "by the book" kind of girl and it would be hard for me to throw caution into the wind and live without some kind of authority over me.

As stated ronin played a key role in Japan's abrupt transition from a feudal society to industralism. I think this was a great thing. These warriors were able to think for them selves and act accordingly to their will. They were able to grow independently. Im sure their were some who liked the way they were living. As for if we live a ronin way, i think that is all our personal opinion, this is a free country and we are not forced to follow a certain predeterminded life for us. we are able to choose what path we take. there are all sorts of religions and lords that each indivual might have or follow.