why we're together, but alone
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- Together, but alone. Is this common feeling a pessimistic creation of mankind?
Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most popular anime of all time, a 90’s classic from Hideaki Anno. The anime follows Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami, and Asuka Langley as pilots of the EVA Units (00, 01, & 02) fighting of the invading Angels on behalf of NERV, the agency where Shinji’s father Gendo, and caretaker Misato Katsuragi work. While Neon Genesis Evangelion begins with mecha fights against the Angels, it slowly devolves almost into psychological horror, analyzing the psyches of Shinji, Asuka, Misato, and Rei in close detail. In explaining these characters, Eva invokes The Hedgehog’s Dilemma, a philosophical parable from Arthur Schopenhauer. The Hedgehog’s Dilemma analyzes the human need for connection, stating why we all feel alone while together. However, I think the anime says more about why we feel that need to begin with, giving us one of the most insane anime analysis videos to exist. Today, we’ll be discussing Eva, and digging deep into its madness to try and explain why we need each other.
The human need for connection | An Anime Video Essay Explaining Neon Genesis Evangelion
#neongenesisevangelion #anime #videoessay #professorviral
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Thank you Professor for giving us a new way to look at life
thanks V, i enjoyed the video a lot.... hey have you ever thought about streaming?
Idk why but this reminds me of a quote from the manga Solanin:
“Freedom without purpose feels a whole lot like boredom.”
basically my life right now....for many years
@@johnynoway9127What life? Maybe my life is like that aswell. Feels... Wasted
makes sense.
It is only ironic hedgehogs are actually extremely soft and only are prickly when they have to protect themselves, so the dilemma would be immediatelly resolved by them literally just chilling.
i love this comment
Literally how we solve it as humans too
How insightful. It's the fear of the unknown that's the majority cause of the loneliness and keeps people from reaching out to others.
Nietzsche, in my opinion gave the answer to the Dilemma long ago. But I'll give my two cents on it if anyone is curious. Pain = growth. Simple but let me delve as we experience emotional, mental, physical pain. We grow, we respond to this external stimuli. If we can channel this growth in these deep bonds, we can come closer to other people. We wouldn't need a "safe distance" for the needles. Because everyone's needles would either soften. Or the skin would thicken and we could move even closer to each other. Asuka's needles would soften, and Shinji's skin would thicken and both could come together.
I don't think there's an argument argument be had against this. Adding evolution to the parable would solve this issue over time. It really is just a matter of Schopenhauer being absolutely pessimistic
if that would work there wouldn’t be any shut-ins
I mean the pain of that happening was what caused the two to be like that in the first place. While struggling through pain can cause maturity, the sort of pain experienced by the characters in eva ended up restricting their growth as often happens to people with trauma.
@@vivvy_0not if this metaphorical hedgehog grew its spikes the wrong way, plunging them into its body instead of out. it’s skin should never thicken because to thicken would mean to accept the wound as a part of itself. unfortunately, the skin thickens regardless of where the pain is coming from.
i didnt watch the video and i dont like anime so can you generalize your statmeent pls
What I love the most about the Evangelion series is how there is such a wide spectrum of enjoyers of the show. There's the waifu championing weebs who don't look any deeper than "shinji get in the robot" and "rei is best girl" all the way to people who discovered a love of psychology and ancient Kabbalistic traditional concepts of the unification of the soul and becoming a god.
You’re never alone with right hand kun.
Nah..☠️☠️☠️
BRUHHH
What wat if you are left :P
@@marocat4749 Then you're alone
@@marocat4749 sloppy seconds
I dont even want a bunch of connections, i just want one strong one, maybe two but for sure just one, once i have that i can be alone with them for any amount of time doing anything
"If we were the only person to exist". We are made to feel this way, in your depiction, a limitless aloneness. A limitless unawareness of self. This video made sense to me. And I don't eat beats.
19:20 Is that why people screamed when it happen despite it being a “gentle hug” it wasn’t what was happening that made them scream, it was the knowledge of everyone all at once.
Jesus Christ he's poppin' off lately! Hope things are working out for you, Viral! Here's to you, you're doing great!!
To me this show best displays the nature of our relationship to our desires and to existence itself. So rarely is existentialism well rendered, outside of using allegories or symbolism it's difficult to show someone experiencing inner anguish or being self aware. Of course, the show also utilizes allegories and symbolism, and even strives for the surreal rather courageously that I also adore it for, but I also just utterly appreciate the attempt to describe what it's actually like to live, and just how absurd the world around can occur. Not everyone feels these existential thoughts as deeply, and I know I am regularly undone by them and there is often no solution, only momentary relief from speaking about them. The exhibition of big vs small, as in slice of life events next to mechs vs angels also imparts the notion that all actions have the same weight. And then there's perhaps a critique of the customary romance in all narratives by subverting expectations, as well as the airing out of how ones childhood can impact someone extensively and permanently. Finally, most of the main characters each succumbing to despair is perhaps a mirror for the internal, shorthand habit to do so, and the dramatics of it allows us to live their tragedy vicariously. As for Rei's purpose, well perhaps she's partly a plot devise, the recipient of Gendo's affection and simply a blank slate clone made for the Eva's, but perhaps there's another function she serves, but I'm entirely unsure what it is exactly.
Your perspective on that final scene in Eva where Shinji strangles Asuka was the first time I'd heard it lain out that way. They had just escaped. Shinji needed to make sure that he was a separate person this time. And Asuka, who had been through all of it too understood. Honestly it's a way better way to read the outcomes.
And Asuka says Shinji is disgusting because Shinji’s instinctive response was to try and prove rejection exists, despite knowing all the pain that Asuka was going through. Whereas Asuka tries to prove acceptance exists. Shows that Shinji still hasn’t learnt to care about others feelings, hence “disgusting”
I must think by "merging consciousness" about the thing with my voices and me. I hear mostly my "lead voice" among countless ones that said hello", and will say "hello". I only hear their voice, they hear all my thoughts.....kinda onesided, but....like i hear all the time thoughts from the ppl around me. Very often when they start to speak, i hear my thoughts out of their mouth, with their voice.... most embarrassing for myself....your thoughts is the one thing with the most privacy whatssoever....
so, excellent job done with this vid! :3
Yes, there have been plenty times when I’ve entertained the idea of everyone being ONE. There’d be no need to hide anything, be ashamed of anything, or ever be alone again. But as you said, that would be our damnation, just one BEING. So we humans define our existence through pain and suffering. Living is a blessing in that I can experience happiness in many ways, but also a curse because I can’t share my deepest thoughts with someone without it resulting in everything going to hell. That builds up more and more until eventually something drastic happens. Now I’m mentally stable, so I’ll never do something terrible, but others? Not so much. I don’t even need to go into the mass tragedies that’s happened over the course of time due to these lackluster human connections and also COMPLETE lack of human connection.
We are (not) alone.
I did (not) think of this
I’m not a big UA-cam commenter but I just have to say how much I truly appreciate the work you put into your content. Your channel reminds me why I love anime so much (I’m a huge psychology and philosophy nerd lol) and you always give such interesting and fresh takes to these shows that have meant so much to me. Keep doing you - will be subscribing to your patreon to keep supporting this amazing content!! 💕
Its crazy how on a planet with billions of people, its possible to still be alone. We seek companionship with people that have what we lack. Im a nihilistic person, so I seek out positive, enthusiastic, people.
this is actually kinda scary... I've come to this exact conclusion before even watching or reading anything on the philosophy
Love and genuine connection doesn't have to be so painful if we don't make things more complicated then they really are to the point of it causing us more suffering, like e.g create a healthy form of detachment and be more selective with your healthy connections including those who are only bound to bring needless negativity into your life and cultivate a rich inner life that tends to include coming to embrace solitude and don't nurture a deep connection based on desperate attachment and the belief that you and them will literally always be there for each other because of the inevitability of physical death and that it could be beneficial to just even if albeit bitterly accept that the possibility of whatever form of loss like betrayal or abandonment or seperation is always there and we become a tad more unbothered over the idea of this ever happening to us even if none of us would want that to happen to us or anyone else, atleast that's just my opinion.
We can´t be perfect. Perfection is an ideia, not a state, since there would be no telling where we achieve Absolute Greatness.
Even if we all fused into One Being, i think that no one would call that Perfection, since it would be a sum of imperfect pieces.
That's why I think it could only exist in a purely metaphysical space, before even an idea is had. The second something is bound to the world in any way, it could no longer be everything, and no longer be "perfect." And, even further, should we really desire a state that can't be oberseved?
It's the lies that THEY all crafted.
really Great video!
Its great really, at 17:28 I just cant stop myself from hearing
"Did you see my message?"
Lmao
The Wii U tried to solve this issue. I remember Iwata saying that a book called "Alond Together" was the idea that brewed into making a Wii U during R&D.
WHAT. I need people to cool it on this stuff, I can't have even game consoles forcing me into philosophical crises
These videos are always so fricken amazing
Thank you!
Thanks for the Lessons, on your options well Appreciated 💯🔥🔥🔥
Of course, I hope they can inspire some thoughts or research in everyone!
I might be alone but I'm not lonely.
Amazing review prof 🔥👍
I have a 3 hour hike tomorrow. I'll save this till then. Then I'll repeat it over and over till am happy with my comprehension
💖Another splendid video! I wonder, have you seen the movie Wolf Children? It's legit my favorite, so i'm probably biased, but i think if you haven't seen it you'd enjoy it! 💖
Decisions arent made by discarding other options, we intuit that one choice is coreect and then ex post facto rationalize the decision.
I would rather be an individual in nothingness than lose my individuality by merging with everyone. If I become one with everyone, I lose myself.
Blame my personality for it and my life experiences for it, but individuality is the most important thing in my eyes. The right to be wholly myself to the highest extent is what I value the most.
Keep posting man. Your going to make it. I know it ❤
Fuck Yeah he will~!!!
Thank you, I'll try my best, always 💙
this is it. this is the knowledge that will shape future generations. this is the ultimate truth. this is what humans have seeked for millions of years.
I think Shinji rejecting instrumentality is a cursed alternative ending for Evangelion. I interpret the Congratulations! ending as Shinji reaching a state of harmony and joining others in instrumentality while EoE as failing to integrate into instrumentality and becoming the lowest version of himself.
ready for another banger
Time for another banger
8:15
I believe the reason behind her coma most likely had to do with her suicide attempt for the reason you stated
Love breaking down the concept of connection and a great anime choice for it!! Always love a good Evangelion Deep dive :3
the 12 onkeys series is pretty interesting there.
And sarazanmei is really good with that conecting makes you vunerable, but alo is nesserary and stronger.lie their magic forces them there to share secrets. Its also about being put in a box and how bad that is. And a corrupt police couple that is great.
Best video ever
Very enlightening video.
I just have one question: What happens when someone commits suicide? If no single human being can fully understand a single other human being then what happens to those missing components that were never understood of that person who committed suicide? Sure their bodies get consumed by the Earth again but what about those thoughts and beliefs which were never understood by the world from that person?
I suppose those very same thoughts and beliefs can be held in other human minds who are still around so that confuses me even more.
Makes me wonder what the end of the world means. I guess when that does happen, when the last human dies, we will all be nothing and in a way that'll make us all the same. Our energy will exist in a different form because energy can't be destroyed but we will all cease to exist as a human.
I don't know what the hell I'm thinking or saying lol
I suppose that death and life are 2 in 1.
I have Avoidant Personality Disorder so when I saw this anime, I just connected with it so much. I saw a lot of myself in all the characters to some degree, some more than others.
By the way: I just discovered your channel. You seem quite knowledgeable on these kinds of things. It's no wonder why you have as many subscribers as you do. I'll definitely recommend you to friends.
I wasn't really thinking of it as energy, but more or less a probability that doesn't exist in any physical sense. So, for the end of a life, however early, it would just mean the end of all probability. It's something very vague that I really couldn't define, so I probably haven't answered the question. While I do try to make interesting videos, I wouldn't quite say I'm an expert, although hopefully in a few years I could be. All just a heads up to say, thank you, I really do appreciate the kind words and support, but I also don't want to over sell myself haha
perfection doesn’t exist
Thats part of the argument, it's in a space we can't even perceive. In the world we know, it does not exist
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a story about a teenaged boy who's depressed because he can't fuck a clone of his dead mom...
In all seriousness though, your ability to make an interesting video about a series I can't stand astounds me. Excellent work as usual!
It's funny, I was loving talking about Eva a bit, but after each time I do I end thinking "get me away from this series, I hate it" haha. Despite it's good intent, I do think maybe there needs to be more done to stress the negative aspects of the series, as it does genuinly depress me quite often
I know im alone in this world. I don't need you to remind me. I'm just an outside looking in on this world.
Same here man. At least I have a close family, but no friends. We have to find a way to become a part of other's lives by getting over fear somehow. I couldn't tell anyone how to do that because I don't know, but at least I know that's the solution. Being insecure is something I wouldn't know how to get over, it's one of the biggest reasons I'm a Christian. You may say it's a crutch, but it's much easier than other people.
Everyone is on the outside looking in to a world no one understands or has confidence in. Some are just lucky to be able to not care or think about it, and others have to push through those thoughts. It's a small, slow, grinding process, but it's an unfortunate necessity of being human
I'm just gonna comment. Cos you read your comments. And I rly appreciate that 😅
Of course! This whole experince wouldn't mean anything alone 💙
Cool
It's okay, you can say it's insane lol
@8:42 - 9:18: Suddenly body pillows and 2D waifus make much more sense, and are that much more tragic...
Feliz Jueves
Glad it's Friday now haha
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The Art of Intimacy by Patrick Malone
Thank me later.
having social handy caps and shit social skills on top of not being attractive in more ways then just physical is doodoo
Pp
This one seems like it'll sting in a very personal way
Maybe, it's really more of a random half-philosophical rant than the usual insight
I can help with your loneliness and hapiness
I think anyone can help anyone. We have to know we all have that power
I forgot just how much Shinji viscerally disgusts me.
EoE does a good job of having some relatable aspects of Shinji, but making the reasons for them be absolutely disgusting. A lot of us have probably been depressed, but it hasn't led us to... what he did
I now resent Neon Genesis, it is an overt hype piece of Otaku culture. Seen the whole series twice with more than 10 years apart and it is still over overlying praised.
Her is another example the Akira anime pales in comparison to the Manga. Yet most anime tubers never give the Manga the respect it deserves. Neon Genesis is over hyped by edgelords. Still love the rest of your work. Not an attack just sharing my point of view.
ok
Replace NGE with D E A T H Note and it's just pure FAXX
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