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FOREWORD

Secrets of the Samurai is the end result of a man and a woman's passionate commitment to the literary and artistic possibilities inherent in the combination and integration of word and image, whatever the subject, and—more particularly—to Oscar Ratti's unique ability to bring life to every page with drawings infused with the vitality and humanity of the individual and of the collective spirit. We are all part of something larger than ourselves, and yet we are all individual entities with almost unimaginable potential for enhancing and contributing in a positive way to the ongoing, turbulent stream of life; to learn—sometimes through very painful experiences—how to expand our horizons and those of others.

Down through the ages, philosophers, writers, artists, and all reflective individuals, have grappled with the quandary Shakespeare had Hamlet consider: “To Be, or Not To Be, that is the question…” Whether to grasp the nettle of existence firmly and fight the good fight—in whatever form an individual's strengths may render that the most positive—or to shrug, throw up one's hands, and withdraw, prematurely, into the shadows. (Or, which is even worse, because it causes pain beyond the personal dimension—thrash about violently, doing damage and harming instead of helping.) Of course, there is always the Law of Unintended Consequences lurking in the background or the “Black Swans”—unforseen events, but the only way to deal with those realistically, is by continual reference to Trial and Error: How do certain actions and behaviors stand up to an objective analysis of their results? Might certain course corrections be worth consideration?

Recent scientific discoveries may provide some guidance here, and some encouragement. Research into the neuroplasticity of the brain has shown that what we think and what we do can have a powerful effect on who we are and who we can become, and that this potential is present for as long as we live and can be actuated by our conscious focused thoughts and actions.

In addition, the latest scientific findings indicate that we all share ninety-nine percent of our DNA, but the one percent that differentiates each one of us is so complex that the variety of formations in individuals is yet to be completely understood or appreciated. Moreover, life experiences will contribute to expressing or repressing certain genes, so that each one of us is a combination of genetic inheritance and multiform environmental exposures. Of course, the genetic package and certain life experiences may be beyond our control, but that which is within our sphere of influence—our conscious, determined patterns of thought and action intended to positively develop our physical, spiritual, intellectual, and emotional powers not only for our personal fulfillment, but to contribute to the wider world and extend a life-enhancing influence far beyond the boundaries of our individual existence—all of that summons us with a clarion call to enter the fray.

Perhaps we could think of life as a giant Tapestry full of bright colors and dark accents. Each one of us is a thread that can be altered within the pattern by the action of weaving and the combination of colors. If anyone of us fails to fill his or her proper place within the Tapestry, the whole will be less and that space can never be filled. Other threads will continue the interweaving but the Tapestry as a whole will always be less than it could be, and the lack of even one strong, luminous thread will always be felt, even if not always clearly evident.

Whatever our particular circumstances, and despite setbacks—as well as the inevitable pain and loss that we will all have to face in our own lives—as long as we live we have the potential and the ability to envision positive actions within our individual spheres and the personal power to take the steps that will bring those visions to life. We can all reach out—sometimes at pivotal moments—to help others achieve their potential and overcome obstacles that might be impeding their development. We are all part of the larger mosaic of existence, but each tesserae or tiny patch of color contributes to and enriches the reflection of life as both an art and a craft.

On the aesthetic level, almost any human activity can be raised to the level of art—but it is not easy. It requires not only talent, but also dedication and endurance. It calls for a willingness to withstand the strain of tedium and periods when even one's best efforts seem woefully inadequate. Above all, there must be an overwhelming desire to produce something of transcendent value.

Is it worth it? Is it worth the inevitable sacrifices and disappointments? Each person must pose that question to himself or herself. Others may inspire, support, encourage, but the ultimate answer can only come from the depths of an individual's heart and soul.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of our extended families and our friends worldwide for all the loving and unstinting support they have provided, in innumerable ways, since Oscar departed this dimension of our shared existence in August 2005. They are all living examples of the inestimable value of that interconnected web which integrates our fragile, often challenging lifespans.

And, to all those who are struggling, or who will struggle, with the aftereffects of a painful loss, I say, as my Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, and French ancestors would: Courage! And, as Oscar’s Italian ancestors would echo: Corragio!

Adele Westbrook

New York City, 2008