32 quotes
Unintended Consequences of Loyalty and Conflict
Louie
Goddamn it. You shot me in the exact same fucking place as last time!
Ghost Dog
I'm sorry. I mean you no disrespect. I'm your retainer. I don't want to put too many holes in you.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Devotion to Master Defines Samurai Identity
Ghost Dog
If one were to say in a word what the condition of being a samurai is, its basis lies first in seriously devoting one's body and soul to his master. Not to forget one's master is the most fundamental thing for a retainer. (00:15:37)
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Communication Through Unusual Means
Sonny Valerio
Where's he live?
Louie
Fuck, if I know. That's the next strange thing. I mean, I can't just call him up. Instead, he contacts me every day through a bird.
Sonny Valerio
Did you just say he contacts you through a bird? Did I just hear you say that?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Importance of the Present Moment
Ghost Dog
There is surely nothing other than the single purpose of the present moment. A man's whole life is a succession of moment after moment. If one fully understands the present moment, there will be nothing else to do, and nothing else to pursue. (01:24:29)
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Relationship Between Form and Emptiness
Ghost Dog
Our bodies are given life from the midst of nothingness. Existing where there is nothing is the meaning of the phrase, "Form is emptiness." That all things are provided for by nothingness is the meaning of the phrase, "Emptiness is form." One should not think that these are two separate things. (01:19:32)
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Debate on Ice Cream's Health Benefits
Ice Cream Man
Hey, did you know Ice Cream is really good for you? Lots of calcium.
Ice Cream Man
Hey, apparently Ice Cream isn't good for you. Too much sugar, not enough calcium.
Concierge
Jesus, it's the fuckin bird man!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Essence of a Ghostly Assassin
Louie
For the past four years, he's done maybe 12 perfect contracts. Perfect. Like a ghost.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Assassins and the Law: A Code to Follow
Taglines
All assassins live beyond the law... only one follows the code
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Inquiring About the Untraceable Button Man
Sonny Valerio
Now is the time to tell us everything you know about this mysterious ghostlike untraceable fuckin button man.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Embracing Traditional Gangster Values
Vinny
You know Louie, there's one good thing about this Ghost Dog guy.
Louie
What's that Vin?
Vinny
He's sending us out the old way. Like real fucking gangsters.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Essence of Timely Decision-Making
Ghost Dog
In the words of the ancients, one should make his decisions within the space of seven breaths. It is a matter of being determined and having the spirit to break through to the other side. (00:58:04)
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Perceptions of Power and Equality in Brotherhood
Samurai in Camouflage
Ghost Dog, power, equality.
Ghost Dog
Always see everything, my brother.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Request for Reflection and Understanding
Louie
It's like you said -- better you than me, right? Nothing makes any sense anymore...
Ghost Dog
It's okay, Louie. I've seen everything I need to see. Do me one favor, though. One favor.
Louie
What do you want me to do?
Ghost Dog
You take this book and read it some time. Then later on, you can tell me what you think.
Louie
Yeah. Sure, I will.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Poetry of War Explained
Sonny Valerio
If a warrior's head were to be suddenly cut off, he should still be able to perform one more action with certainty." What the fuck is that suppose to mean?
Ray Vargo
It's poetry. The poetry of war.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Embracing the Spirit of Each Generation
Ghost Dog
It is said that what is called "the spirit of an age" is something to which one cannot return. That this spirit gradually dissipates is due to the world's coming to an end. For this reason, although one would like to change today's world back to the spirit of one hundred years or more ago, it cannot be done. Thus it is important to make the best out of every generation. (01:33:15)
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Cultural Perspectives on Nature and Equality
Ghost Dog
You know, in ancient cultures, bears were considered equal with men.
Shane
This ain't no ancient culture here, mister.
Ghost Dog
Sometimes it is.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Seeing the World as a Dream
Ghost Dog
It is a good viewpoint to see the world as a dream. When you have something like a nightmare, you will wake up and tell yourself that it was only a dream. It is said that the world we live in is not a bit different from this. (00:19:43)
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Samurai Approach to Decision-Making
Ghost Dog
When one has made a decision to kill a person, even if it will be very difficult to succeed by advancing straight ahead, it will not do to think about going at it in a long roundabout way. The Way of the Samurai is one of immediacy, and it is best to dash in headlong. (01:13:13)
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Determination Beyond Death in Samurai Philosophy
Ghost Dog
Even if a samurai's head were to be suddenly cut off, he should still be able to perform one more action with certainty. If one becomes like a revengeful ghost and shows great determination, though his head is cut off, he should not die. (01:04:16)
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Focus on the Target, Ignore the Rest
Ghost Dog
According to what one of the elders said, taking an enemy on the battlefield is like a hawk taking a bird. Even though it enters into the midst of a thousand of them, it gives no attention to any bird other than the one that it has first marked. (00:46:45)
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Significance of Endings in Life
Pearline
In the Kamigata area they have a sort of tiered lunchbox they use for a single day when flower viewing. Upon returning, they throw them away, trampling them underfoot. The end is important in all things.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Loyalty and Respect in a Tense Moment
Louie
You gonna kill me, you might as well kill me.
Ghost Dog
I'm your retainer. I follow a code. I've always given you my respect.
Louie
So that's why you got that big fuckin gun to my head?
Ghost Dog
Forgive me. I don't mean you no disrespect.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Meditation on Death in Samurai Philosophy
Ghost Dog
The Way of the Samurai is found in death. Meditation on inevitable death should be performed daily. Every day when one's body and mind are at peace, one should meditate upon being ripped apart by arrows, rifles, spears and swords, being carried away by surging waves, being thrown into the midst of a great fire, being struck by lightning, being shaken to death by a great earthquake, falling from thousand-foot cliffs, dying of disease or committing seppuku at the death of one's master. And every day without fail one should consider himself as dead. This is the substance of the way of the samurai. (00:03:05)
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Importance of Appearance for a Samurai
Ghost Dog
It is good to carry some powdered rouge in one's sleeve. It may happen that when one is sobering up or waking from sleep, a samurai's complexion may be poor. At such a time it is good to take out and apply some powdered rouge. (01:08:50)
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Weight of Leadership and Loyalty
Ghost Dog
Now you gonna be the boss of your own clan, right, Louie? Cause... ain't nobody else left. Ain't that right, Louie?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Balancing Seriousness and Lightness in Life
Ghost Dog
Among the maxims on Lord Naoshige's wall there was this one: "Matters of great concern should be treated lightly." Master Ittei commented, "Matters of small concern should be treated seriously." (00:23:01)
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Understanding the Way of the Samurai
Ghost Dog
It is bad when one thing becomes two. One should not look for anything else in the Way of the Samurai. It is the same for anything else that is called a Way. If one understands things in this manner, he should be able to hear about all Ways and be more and more in accord with his own. (00:09:42)
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Language Barriers in Friendship
Pearline
Can't you understand what he's saying?
Ghost Dog
No, I don't understand him. I don't speak French, only English. I never understand a word he says.
Pearline
And that's your best friend?
Ghost Dog
Yeah.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Samurai Loyalty and Moral Dilemmas
Louie
Go ahead, kill me now.
Ghost Dog
I'm your retainer. It's against the code of the Samurai to kill you.
Louie
Look, if you're my retainer -- whatever the fuck that is -- do what I'm telling you and fuckin shoot me! What the hell'd you do that for?
[Ghost Dog shoots him in the shoulder]
Ghost Dog
You told me to. I don't mean you no disrespect.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Cultural Perspectives on Equality and Tradition
Ghost Dog
You know, in ancient cultures, bears were considered equal with men.
Shane
This ain't no ancient culture here, mister.
Ghost Dog
Sometimes it is.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Change and Uncertainty in Ghost Dog's World
Louie
You'd better watch your back, Ghost Dog! Like you said, everything seems to be... changing around us. Nothing seems to make sense anymore.
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Lessons from Embracing Life's Challenges
Ghost Dog
There is something to be learned from a rainstorm. When meeting with a sudden shower, you try not to get wet and run quickly along the road. By doing such things as passing under the eaves of houses, you still get wet. When you are resolved from the beginning, you will not be perplexed, though you will still get the same soaking. This understanding extends to all things. (01:28:40)
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.