The aging Yamamoto Tsunetomo's interpretation of "bushidō" is perhaps more illustrative of the philosophy refined by his unique station and experience, at once dutiful and defiant, ultimately incompatible with the laws of an emerging civil society. Of the 47 "rōnin"—to this day, generally regarded as exemplars of "bushidō"—Tsunetomo felt they were remiss in hatching such a wily, delayed plot for revenge, and had been over-concerned with the success of their undertaking. Instead, Tsunetomo felt true "samurai" should act without hesitation to fulfill their duties, without regard for success or failure.