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To empathize with others, it is obvious that one has to experience a sense of belonging or relating to them. It is impossible to perceive something other as just as emotional and worthy as oneself, without any previous contact or knowledge of this existence.

What if one is isolated? Complete isolation on an emotional level, as well as unmatched physical abilities and being the strongest surely won't result in making a caring, altruistic person.

That is if the person in question is not the strongest.

If they truly are the strongest, their altruism and kindness stems from free will. A possibility of choice.

If I can be kind, why would I be cruel?

If I can be helpful, why wouldn't I be?

If I am the strongest, why shouldn't I protect the weak?

True strength stems from egoism and free will, and not from duty. Gojo's altruism is one that in modern culture could be considered an embodiment of Nietzschean philosophy.

If you can choose to be kind, just because you're truly strong, that is your choice. There won't be any reward or recognition because to expect acknowledgment for your strength is an expectation of the weak.

To be truly strong means to choose the good, despite it never repaying.

Gojo is the strongest, not just in his universe, but also philosophically - he chooses to be kind to people around him, protect the civilians and do the right thing despite there being actually nothing or no one to hold him back. He does that despite being isolated for the entirety of his life, and furthermore chooses to cut off the only bond he saw as genuine (with Geto) for this path.

I believe Gojo's stance on life to be one that I would consider a new branch of altruism. It is not just selfless and genuine, but also a choice that lacks any moral principles behind it.

If one has empathy, it is almost a duty to be altruistic. It is in no way a decision with free will in mind.

Gojo has none.

Sigma is a character who is clearly binded by contract with Fyodor - who is a reference to same name Russian author, and perhaps in DOA relationship sense, even a personification of Russian history.

Poland was parted by Russia, Austria and Prussia in late 18th century. In result, it did not exist on a map for 123 years.

The history of Poland and polish people literally not having their own home is mirrored by Sigma, who is looking for their home and it is their core motivation. The power dynamic between Fyodor and Sigma also mirrors the one or Russia and Poland in times of Partitions.

Well, what about Nikolai/Mykola?

I believe he is a reference to Ukrainian people. Up to 17th century, Ukrainian people who lived in today's Zaporizhzhia region happened to also live in then - Polish territory.

The relationship between Polish and Ukrainian people wasn't peaceful. However when it came to uprisings while Poland was parted, it was the Ukrainian people who helped them.

Just like Nikolai betraying Fyodor to save Sigma, denying killing him for Fyodor's plan, Ukrainian people denied serving Russia and helped Poland, despite their past conflicts (an example of this is November Uprising of 1831 which had a whole legion dedicated specifically to Ukraine).

Sigma's character mirrors polish culture in times of partitions very well - the way they long for home, how scared they are for their life, and also how they are conflicted to actually fight Fyodor (in a famous scene where he pretends to have a mental breakdown when Sigma points a gun at him). Perhaps the last one is a great portrayal of polish people realizing that Russian system of power oppressed everyone - not just them. An attempt to sympathize with Russian citizens despite the harm. It is not just speculation - a call to empathize with Russians is commonplace in polish literature; one of the most famous portrayals shows a russian soldier crying after carrying out a tortured polish citizen, showing that the struggle those nations share is supposed to unite them (referenced: Dziady cz III by Adam Mickiewicz).

Perhaps it is just a character who is supposed to symbolize nothing more and nothing less, but a non-conforming casino owner.

Maybe the curtains are just blue.

The story of Orb, as I see it, is actually an essay-fiction fusion, which shows people - who are actually concepts.

It is not Rafał. It's antifascism.

It's not Nowak. It's conformism.

It's not Draka. It's capitalism.

It's not Badeni. It's elitism.

Whole story is actually how certain concepts of ideologies or values (such as Oczy being a general value of beliefs and religion, as well as diligence) interact with science - which is clearly a metaphor for will to live/choose.

Science is just a placeholder for one choosing their leading beliefs or ideology.

Whole story is about different concepts and values embodied by characters, that are fighting to be the "correct" one, the one to take the hold of science.

From what I noticed, only characters that died fulfilling two conditions:

1. Not denying their ideals

2. At peace/fulfilled

Were Schmidt and Simon (the young inquisitor trainee, who sacrificed himself so Jolenta could run away). If we consider that Rafał at the end of Orb is the same Rafał as in the beginning.

Which is not a coincidence - Schmidt is a concept of liberalism, which is clearly seen through his words (such as him saying he cannot accept those who do not believe in their mission, because then they would sacrifice their lives for nothing) while Simon is a concept of altruism.

Therefore, whole message of Orb I got away from this through analysis, is that no ideology or values deserve a human sacrifice, unless it defends the human will to choose one's own beliefs.

mild spoilers to csm anime

What I have never seen discussed is how Quanxi is a reflection of what Denji always wished for - despite being a hybrid, she maintains her freedom unlike him. She has a few fiends, whom she is in a relationship with. Her lifestyle is allowing her to buy anything - as shown in the panel where the only reward she wants is for her girlfriends to get human education.

I would say the reason that Quanxi appeals to so many people who read the manga, is because she is the perfect midpoint between Makima and Denji - a sort of anti-hero who was needed for further conveying the themes of csm.

What did she take from Makima?

She is in position of control, as we see in Darkness Devil incident where Pingtsi has to ask her for permission to commit.

Just like Makima, she does not show any pleasure in partaking in hedonistic activities (lavish lifestyle, many partners). In that aspect she is not like Denji.

She also takes on a caring role towards those who are lower than her in terms of power.

Unlike Makima though, despite seeing the injustices and being aware of the world of Devil hunters, she does not want to achieve any kind of noble goal. She is just like Denji - exists for her own pleasure.

Her quote "Ignorance is bliss" truly defines her stance in both personal life, and professional life.

What I noticed to be particularly interesting, is how Quanxi is the only Devil hunter shown that is not against "forces of nature", and I think Cosmo talking to Tolka really conveyed that conflict many Devil hunters face.

As I noticed, many devils say that eating humans, being hunted, death in pain, are things that are of nature - hence interfering with them is meaningless. Devil hunters usually oppose that position - Aki for example mercy kills a civilian, despite Angel Devil clearly stating that dying in pain is natural to humans and is unavoidable.

Quanxi is the middle ground between humans (portrayed by Denji) and devils, portrayed by Makima.

Her fiends are also incredible at further proving my point - exactly half of them is connected to more human fears (Pingtsi is suspected to be the fear of gossip, while Cosmo is a fear of all-knowing; both very human and common) and the other half is related to more otherworldly matters - Long as fear of dragons, and Tsugihagi as suspected fear of resurrection.

Quanxi, uniting them in one group and loving them is a portrayal of her beliefs.

Mild spoilers to anime

Akutagawa is a character that oftentimes is pitied by the fandom for how he was treated by Dazai. How he never got acknowledged.

What most may forget, is why Akutagawa is a perfect reflection of Atsushi. Why are they shown as opposing one another.

To me, obviously, the main reason is his relationship with Dazai - where one was failed, the other was recognized and admired by the mentor. That, however is not the end of their similiarties.

A starking trait they share is the sisterly bond that plays a huge role in their lives, and morality. For Akutagawa it is his own sister, who, as we know from his backstory, served as one of main points of him joining the mafia (since Gin was weaker surviving in the trenches was harder, as a non-ability user).

Well, but who is the sister for Atsushi?

Kyōka.

Akutagawa who gave his whole life to the Mafia in promises of being admired, and keeping his sister safe got crushed when he saw that first of all, somebody got all that praise and recognition without the suffering. And second of all, Atsushi, unlike him did actually save his "sister" from Port Mafia and gave her a better life.

That most likely was the reason for his anger when seeing Kyōka.

It is not stated clearly in the canon, but I am sure that all of us would blame ourselves if a loved one of ours got pulled into Mafia as the practically only way of saving them.

However I believe Akutagawa is not just a reflection of Atsushi, but also Dazai. In my previous post I stated that Dazai does not feel guilt and that causes him the greatest pain. Akutagawa is the opposite - his guilt swallows him whole.

Where Dazai's body is kept alive no matter how hard he tries to commit, Akutagawa's body fails, despite him clinging to life.

I believe Rashomon is also a reflection of Corrpution - both inherently violent, following the character everywhere they go. Both dependent on Dazai at some point.

Both characters bitter, because of betrayal.

Where Corruption had to be regulated and stopped by Dazai, Rashomon is accepted and used fully by Atsushi.

SSK is fixing the flaws of SK, despite sharing some failures (such as the cycle of jealousy and anger continuing from Chuuya to Akutagawa).

mild spoilers to anime and manga

Hikaru is a character that is oftentimes referenced as silly, or interpreted in a completely opposite way - grim, and borderline abusive towards Yoshiki.

What I noticed to be his main trait, is definitely the emotional vulnerability, that in TSHD is represented through physical metaphors of mixing or him opening his chest to Yoshiki.

That, might seem abusive at first glance - how he persuades Yoshiki to reach inside; at some point Yoshiki himself accuses Hikaru of assault. If it was truly the case, why did Hikaru feel saddened by this assumption? He did not react in this way when Yoshiki rightfully accused him of harming Asako.

That is because scene that looks like plain horror, is actually a scene of Hikaru being honest.

Him showing his insides, experiencing pleasure from human contact and acknowledgement from Yoshiki; that all is his vulnerability. Him giving away half of his insides, too.

That is what made TSHD a horror. Not the imagery, but the suffering of being misunderstood.

I would go as far as saying that vulnerability is the greatest defining trait of Hikaru.

For him Yoshiki being scared or disgusted by his insides is an analogy not just for his closeted queer identity, but also to his neurodivergency or mentally ill heavy coding. To show what you truly are/feel to your beloved person, and get rejected is probably the greatest horror to majority of us.

Yet Hikaru doesn't stop. Why?

He can't.

First of all, it is a wish of the real Hikaru.

Secondly, his love is self-sufficient, loving somebody is enough for him to feel fulfilled - which is not the case for many people (hence the part where he admits to Yoshiki that he doesn't care if Yoshiki finds somebody).

Unfortunately I have seen many people comment on his behaviour as abusive towards Yoshiki (classroom mixing scene), which causes me great sadness - this scene is about being misunderstood, your insides and self being considered unacceptable or scary, despite showing tender emotions. The horror is in loving but being unable to give.

It is also saddening when you realize that he is just doing what he was asked to. The last wish of a dying teen, who was in deep denial of love.

Hikaru's character is the tragedy of loving, yet being off-putting to your most loved one.

Of course since Yoshiki is the protagonist, manga is horror from his perspective.

Content warning: mentions of suicide.

Majority of fans of BSD dislike Dazai after seeing his backstory, and understanding just how terrible of a person he is. I did so too.

That was until I came to the conclusion that his tragedy is not much different from Rei Ayanami, who is universally liked by almost every person who stumbled across Evangelion. Why that is? What are their similiarities?

At first glance you might consider him unserious and overly dramatic. That is why he is liked by people who start their BSD journey, especially with the anime.

After Age 15 is shown, you, as a viewer, should slowly develop a dislike for Dazai. Especially after seeing Dead Apple, and the way he treats Akutagawa.

As he puts it himself, he came into Port Mafia to see what humanity was even about, hence the Odasakus speech about both sides not being much different to Dazai.

Many see this just as a casual statement, but beneath lies a core problem of Dazai's tragedy.

He tried to cause himself to feel - he joined Mafia and committed crimes in hopes of feeling something human, yet he did not feel any guilt. Of course when a person possess enough intelligence and curiosity, not feeling anything is a different kind of pain - whole world lies like on open palm, yet you're unable to reach the most arcane and important, humanity.

His suicidality is a side effect of his mind. Understanding that technically you cannot bring into life any joy not for yourself nor for others, despite craving it more than anything. Understanding, that despite you being made to experience more, you have nothing to give.

Why did I mention Ayanami?

His body fails him, just as hers does. Ayanami's body is sustained by technology and NERV itself, since she is a pilot. She is just the function, yet her body shows the decay of her mind.

Dazai's body refusing to die despite the plethora of methods he attempted, shows how desperately he clings to humanity. Maybe not life itself.

The craving is enough to sustain him, just like Rei's will is enough to keep her alive to be able to pilot Eva.

Real tragedy of Dazai is misunderstood, because his guilt is assumed to be the cause of his depression,

In a world, where 35% of people die to devil attacks, many would think that the real enemy of humanity is nothing other, but devils.

To, however, understand the problem correctly, I must start with what are devils.

Those are simply concepts humans fear, concepts of events, feelings, or scenarios that might happen. Devils get born from fear and crystallize into a physical form, that is as strong as the general population fears the given concept.

Devils oftentimes live just to murder people and cause ambush, hence the fear of them grows stronger, the more people they kill.

To survive, for a devil, is to scare.

Many would think that, in a world like that, ideologically, people would try to approach nirvana and carelessness, as to make devils weaker, and live at peace.

Chainsaw man however shows us a different story - not a story of just any society, but our society.

[Spoilers for volume 8 and forth]

As it turns out, Aki discovers that Gun Devil is dead - pieces of its flesh are kept and divided by strongest countries, and I would go as far as saying that they are analogous to nuclear weapons in our world. The fear mongering is hence profitable for countries of power, because it allows them to possess greater control at international political area.

The main antagonist, that audience expected - is defeated in two steps, which happens when Makima spills information.

That is when, the real one gets revealed.

One statement, that is first part of Chainsaw Man condensed:

Control is the real evil.

Makima gets turned into the actual antagonist, as soon as audience recognizes that Gun Devil is "dead".

It gets revealed, that she wants to use Denji for control of general population through selective elimination of devils, that cause them pain or otherwise suffering. While her goals are acknowledged by other characters, such as Kishibe, as noble, why does she get the role of the antagonist?

Explanation is very simple.

In a world, where people die because of fear - which is a normal part of our nature; what can save us?

Is it control? Are structures of power a thing that truly does protect us, serve society?

Is control truly needed, in a world like ours? Is it an inherent part of our nature?

Chainsaw Man offers a different perspective; the only way to save humans from fear, the thing that makes our lives fuller than just a powerplay between the strongest, is nothing other than primitivism.

Simplicity of being a person, weaponized. Fear, longing, love.

The real enemy of humanity is not devils that get born from their fears. The real enemy are those who try to use it.

And the only way to resist them is to embrace humanity to the fullest, even if it just means craving to be with a woman.