Attack on Titan is more than an epic tale of survival—it’s a narrative packed with profound lessons about life, humanity, and personal growth.
Over the last weekend while nursing a cold, I binge-watched Season 1 of Attack on Titan on Netflix. I must say I was blown away by the amount of wisdom in the screenplay. It’s indeed very relevant to Inspire At Random’s purpose of helping one find purpose, manifest and achieve his life goals!
From its gripping battles to its soul-stirring philosophies, here are 10 life lessons I’ve learned from this unforgettable series:
Edit: I’m now on Season 3 and I’ve added a lot more points to this list!
1. “Those Who Can’t Abandon Anything Can’t Change Anything”
Eren Yeager embodies this lesson when he sacrifices his humanity to gain Titan powers and fights to protect his comrades. Similarly, Armin chooses to abandon his normal life to join the Survey Corps, knowing the risks but embracing the need for change.
2. Don’t Live Like Cattle Within the Walls
The people of Paradis Island, confined within their walls, represent societal fear and complacency. Eren’s yearning to see the world outside and his anger at humanity’s stagnation fuel his determination to break free, showing the cost of comfort zones.
3. “You Must Have an Intention to Make a Transformation”
Armin’s decision to sacrifice himself to save humanity during the battle at Shiganshina shows purpose-driven action. His transformation into the Colossal Titan was intentional, aimed at preserving hope for humanity.
4. The World Is Cruel, but It’s Also Beautiful
This sentiment is encapsulated when Mikasa recalls moments of peace with Eren amidst the chaos of the Titan battles. Despite the horrors of war, these fleeting instances of beauty give life meaning.
5. Never Lose Sight of Your Purpose
Erwin Smith’s charge against the Beast Titan is a profound example. Even in the face of certain death, his dedication to humanity’s future inspires his soldiers to follow his lead, emphasizing the strength of staying focused on the bigger picture.
6. Strength Comes from Unity
The coordinated effort of the Survey Corps during the retaking of Wall Maria demonstrates the importance of teamwork. Without Armin’s strategy, Jean’s leadership, and Levi’s strength, their victory against the Titans would have been impossible.
7. Question the Truth You’re Told
The discovery of Grisha Yeager’s basement and the truth about Marley and the Titans flips Paradis Island’s worldview. This revelation forces the characters to confront the lies they were taught and reimagine their place in the world.
8. Humanity’s Greatest Enemy Is Often Itself
The internecine wars within the walls, like the coup against the corrupt government, highlight that human greed and betrayal can be as dangerous as Titans themselves. This theme is further echoed in the Marley-Paradis conflict.
9. Adaptability Is Key to Survival
Levi’s ability to adapt during battle, such as his fight against the Beast Titan, showcases the necessity of quick thinking. His unmatched combat skills are rooted in his ability to assess and adjust to rapidly changing circumstances.
10. Those Who Accomplish the Most Dare to Sacrifice
Erwin Smith’s decision to lead a suicide charge is a defining example. By sacrificing himself, he creates the opportunity for Levi to defeat the Beast Titan, ensuring humanity’s survival.
11. Fear Isn’t Always the Enemy
Jean Kirstein, initially reluctant and scared, grows into a courageous leader. His ability to act despite his fear demonstrates that bravery is about perseverance, not the absence of fear.
12. Leadership Isn’t About Strength but Vision
Erwin’s leadership is marked by his ability to inspire his troops even when hope seems lost. His vision for humanity’s future keeps the Survey Corps united under impossible odds, contrasting Levi’s role as the team’s strongest soldier.
13. True Freedom Requires Responsibility
Eren’s quest for freedom becomes increasingly complicated as he realizes the weight of his choices. His actions against Marley, aimed at achieving freedom, force him to confront the moral implications of his decisions.
14. Your Past Doesn’t Define You
Reiner Braun’s struggle with his identity as both a warrior and a soldier illustrates that while his past shaped him, his choices moving forward define who he truly is.
15. “People Were Fed Lies to Make Them Easier to Rule”
The revelation that the Royal Family manipulated history to maintain control underscores this lesson. Historia Reiss’s choice to break free from this cycle exemplifies the power of confronting and rejecting falsehoods.
16. Brainwashing Doesn’t Work on Everyone
Mikasa’s Ackerman bloodline makes her immune to the Founding Titan’s power, symbolizing resilience against manipulation. Her loyalty to Eren, despite attempts to control her, showcases the power of free will.
17. Good Intentions Can Have Unintended Consequences
Grisha Yeager’s plan to give Eren the Founding Titan power was meant to secure humanity’s future but ultimately set Eren on a destructive path, showing how even well-meaning actions can lead to unforeseen consequences.
18. Conflict Breeds Growth
Eren and Zeke’s conflicting ideologies about freedom and survival force the Survey Corps to adapt their strategies. These clashes push characters like Armin and Mikasa to grow and refine their convictions.
19. Even Enemies Have Their Reasons
Reiner’s confession to Eren reveals that Marley’s warriors were motivated by their own sense of duty. This humanization of the enemy challenges black-and-white perceptions of good and evil.
20. Hope Is a Weapon Against Despair
Hange Zoë’s unwavering optimism, even after losing comrades, keeps the Survey Corps united. Her ability to find solutions amidst chaos demonstrates hope’s power as a survival tool.
21. History Repeats Itself If We Don’t Learn
The Eldian-Marleyan cycle of violence exemplifies this truth. Without addressing the underlying causes of their conflict, the characters risk perpetuating the same mistakes across generations.
22. The Strong Must Protect the Weak
Levi’s unwavering protection of his comrades, such as when he risks his life to save Armin and Mikasa, highlights the nobility of using strength to shield others rather than dominate them.
23. Sacrifices Should Serve a Greater Purpose
The deaths of Marco and Sasha show how sacrifices, while painful, can inspire others to push forward and fight for a greater cause, making their loss meaningful.
24. The Pursuit of Freedom Can Be Dangerous
Eren’s extreme actions against Marley, leading to massive casualties, reveal the dangers of pursuing freedom without considering the broader consequences for humanity.
25. Knowledge Is Power
The knowledge hidden in Grisha’s journals about the Titans and Marley shifts the entire course of the war. This proves that understanding the truth is often the first step toward meaningful change.
26. Individual Actions Ripple Through Society
Historia Reiss’s decision to claim her rightful place as queen demonstrates how one person’s courage can reshape a nation’s destiny and inspire others.
27. Sometimes, There Are No Perfect Choices
The Survey Corps’ decision to save Armin over Erwin with the Titan serum shows how tough decisions often leave lingering doubts and regrets but must be made nonetheless.
28. Power Without Purpose Is Meaningless
Kenny Ackerman’s realization that power alone didn’t fulfill him reflects the emptiness of ambition without a higher purpose. His story is a cautionary tale about pursuing power for its own sake.
Conclusion
The profound lessons of Attack on Titan resonate deeply with the principles of manifestation. Just as Eren Yeager and others in the story refuse to settle for the world they inherited, you too have the power to reshape your reality.
Manifestation requires vision, intention, and the courage to break free from limiting beliefs—mirroring the journey of the Survey Corps as they break through walls, both literal and metaphorical, to discover new possibilities.
If you’re ready to take your manifestation journey to the next level and explore these transformative concepts in your own life, join our Inspire At Random community on Skool.com. Connect with like-minded individuals, gain access to exclusive insights, and start creating the life you’ve always envisioned.
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