Makoto: The Samurai’s Path of Honesty and Sincerity

In my book, Let the Samurai Be Your Guide, I share how the Code of Bushido, the Way of the Warrior, continues to offer us timeless wisdom for navigating life and leadership. One of the virtues most often overlooked, yet deeply needed today, is Makoto (誠), or honesty. To the samurai, honesty was not a matter of convenience. It was a way of life.

The Deeper Meaning of Makoto

When we think of honesty in the Western sense, we often think about telling the truth or avoiding lies. But in the samurai tradition, Makoto carried a much deeper meaning. The character 誠 combines “word” with “to become.” In other words, when a samurai gave their word, it was as if the action had already been carried out. There was no separation between speech and deed.

This was not just about avoiding falsehoods. It was about living so authentically that words, thoughts, and actions were seamlessly aligned. A promise was sacred, and breaking it was not only dishonorable but also unthinkable.

Honesty was inseparable from other virtues of Bushido. It supported Gi (integrity), for how can one act with justice without truthfulness and authenticity? It strengthened Meiyo (honor), a life of integrity that could only be built on truthful foundations. And it deepened Chuugi (loyalty), for loyalty without honesty is nothing more than a hollow gesture.

The samurai understood that honesty was more than words, it was character. It was the quiet strength that made them trustworthy leaders, dependable allies, and respected members of society.

In our modern world, we are often tempted to embellish, to say what others want to hear, or to stretch the truth to get ahead. Yet the wisdom of Makoto calls us back to truthfulness and authenticity. It reminds us that trust is the most valuable currency we carry, and it is built not through grand gestures but through consistent honesty in the smallest of interactions. Living with Makoto might look like:

• Keeping a promise, even when it becomes inconvenient

• Admitting mistakes with humility

• Speaking truth with compassion rather than judgment

• Choosing to live authentically, without masks or pretenses

The samurai believed that one’s word was one’s bond, and that living without honesty was living without honor. As I reflect on this virtue, I am reminded of how powerful it can be in shaping both our relationships and our inner peace.

I invite you to consider: What would it look like if every word you spoke carried the weight of action, just as the samurai believed?