A surface level explanation of the themes and the prerogative explained in the final two episodes of the original Neon Genesis Evangelion, focusing specifically on Shinji's revelation in episode 26. Once this point is conveyed and Shinji understands the concept, he is congratulated by all those around him for his first original thought in the climax to the series.
The final point of the infamous last two episodes of Evangelion are that one should learn to be comfortable with hurting others rather than always letting the expectations and desires of others guide their actions.
Shinji learns that he can act upon his own wants and act selfishly sometimes, since making himself happy will, in turn, make those around him happy also. If someone blames another for looking out for their own interests, they are at fault instead of the perpetrator since it is everyone's primary responsibility to look out for themselves rather.
Hating yourself for your own self is not an excuse for attempting to alter your self, sometimes it can be necessary but should only be attempted through an active decision to do so. Otherwise it will cause you to lose your original form and you will be unable to regain your true self. This in turn is improper to your ancestors and teachers who you have grown up with.
Try sometimes to be outspoken and to relay your true beliefs, rather that portraying an facade attempting to fulfill the implied motives of others. While it may sate someones expectations, it is always better to exceed or subvert them in a way in line with your own self. Those who harbour resent for those actions that come from your heart, are themselves in the wrong, not you.
[Image lost. Cap of Rei, Asuka and Misato standing over Shinji from ep25.]
One is never able to fully live up to others' expectations when constraining oneself completely to those peoples' own paradigms.
[Image lost. Cap of congratulations scene from ep26.]
True admiration comes from one's own original thoughts.
[Originally posted on the 13th of August 2019.]
