Neon Genesis Evangelion and The Meaning Of Life
Written by Johan Kim
Neon Genesis Evangelion (NGE), created by Hideaki Anno, is more than just an anime about giant robots fighting mysterious beings. Beneath the surface of action and sci-fi, it’s a haunting, introspective exploration of human psychology, relationships, and the search for meaning. At its core, Evangelion delves into questions that have plagued humanity for centuries: Why do we exist? What is the purpose of life? And how do we confront our fears of isolation and inadequacy?
Throughout its storyline, Evangelion intertwines existential, psychological, and philosophical themes that make it one of the most profound and challenging anime series ever created. Rather than offering simple answers, it encourages viewers to examine their own beliefs, fears, and experiences. This article unpacks how Evangelion explores the meaning of life and how its themes resonate with audiences grappling with their own existential questions.
PART 1: The Existential Core of Evangelion
At its heart, Neon Genesis Evangelion is an existential journey that mirrors the human experience of searching for meaning. Unlike traditional hero narratives, where the protagonist is driven by a clear goal or moral purpose, Evangelion presents a cast of characters struggling with their identity, purpose, and fears of inadequacy. Shinji Ikari, the protagonist, embodies these struggles as he questions his own worth, the meaning of his actions, and his desire to escape suffering.
Evangelion doesn’t shy away from the dark side of human existence: the feelings of emptiness, isolation, and meaninglessness that many experience at some point in their lives. The series addresses existentialist themes head-on, depicting how each character copes—or fails to cope—with their inner struggles. By presenting these themes through Shinji and the other characters, Evangelion forces viewers to confront uncomfortable questions about their own lives, challenging them to face fears that they might otherwise ignore.
In this way, Evangelion serves as both an anime and a mirror, reflecting back viewers’ own insecurities and existential fears. Rather than offering comfort or escapism, it uses its narrative to underscore the challenges of finding one’s purpose and meaning in an often incomprehensible world.
PART 2: Shinji’s Journey: The Search for Identity and Belonging
Shinji Ikari’s journey is one of the most relatable and heartbreaking aspects of Evangelion. As the reluctant protagonist, Shinji grapples with a desperate need for acceptance and self-worth while fearing rejection and failure. His internal struggle to find meaning in his life is fraught with moments of self-loathing, avoidance, and isolation, reflecting the universal human desire for identity and belonging.
Shinji’s battle with himself begins with his strained relationship with his father, Gendo Ikari, who is emotionally distant and seemingly indifferent. This lack of parental love fuels Shinji’s feelings of worthlessness and sets him on a path of seeking validation from others. When he’s thrust into the role of an Eva pilot to protect humanity, Shinji doesn’t accept the position out of courage or duty—he does it because he believes it’s the only way he’ll be acknowledged. His entire journey is marked by a tug-of-war between his need for connection and his overwhelming fear of being hurt or abandoned.
Shinji’s struggle to accept himself reflects the existential dilemma of finding one’s place in the world. While he yearns for companionship and understanding, he often withdraws, fearing that others will see his vulnerabilities. In doing so, Shinji embodies the internal battle many face when trying to reconcile their desire for human connection with the fear of rejection.
Throughout the series, Shinji’s journey doesn’t provide a straightforward path to self-acceptance. Instead, it shows the painful but honest process of coming to terms with one’s flaws, fears, and insecurities. In the end, Evangelion suggests that true self-worth cannot be obtained through external validation alone but must come from within—a lesson that resonates with anyone who has ever struggled to find their own identity.
PART 3: The Hedgehog’s Dilemma: Humanity’s Fear of Connection
A central metaphor in Evangelion is the “Hedgehog’s Dilemma,” which represents the struggle to find closeness with others while avoiding emotional pain. Named after the philosophical parable in which hedgehogs huddle together for warmth but prick each other with their spines, this dilemma captures the paradox of human relationships in Evangelion: the closer people get, the more they risk hurting one another.
Shinji, like many of the characters, experiences this dilemma firsthand. He craves meaningful relationships, yet he repeatedly pushes others away to avoid vulnerability. This fear of intimacy affects not only his relationships with other characters, like Rei and Asuka, but also his sense of self. Shinji’s journey demonstrates that while we yearn for connection, the fear of being hurt often leads to isolation.
The Hedgehog’s Dilemma underscores one of Evangelion’s major themes: that connection and vulnerability are integral to the human experience, yet they come with risks. By exploring this concept, Evangelion highlights the universal struggle of balancing self-preservation with the desire for intimacy. It suggests that while relationships can bring pain, they are also essential for growth, healing, and the discovery of meaning.
PART 4: Instrumentality and the Quest for Wholeness
IOne of Evangelion’s most intriguing and unsettling concepts is Instrumentality, a plan to merge all human souls into a single consciousness, erasing individuality and, in theory, eliminating loneliness and suffering. This idea of merging human minds into one is introduced as a solution to the pain of isolation—a radical approach to achieving unity, harmony, and wholeness.
In the context of the series, Instrumentality symbolizes humanity’s deepest fears and desires: the fear of isolation and the yearning for connection. By blending all minds together, Instrumentality would eliminate the boundaries that keep people apart. However, it also poses a disturbing question: If individuality is lost, what remains of the self? Is true happiness found in collective unity, or does it require a balance between connection and independence?
Evangelion uses Instrumentality to probe the complex relationship between individuality and connection. While it promises freedom from loneliness, it also strips away the unique struggles and experiences that make each person distinct. The series ultimately presents Instrumentality as a double-edged sword, representing both the allure and horror of total unity.
Through Instrumentality, Evangelion raises questions about the price of avoiding pain. It suggests that while life’s challenges and insecurities are difficult to bear, they are also what make individual existence meaningful. The rejection of Instrumentality in the series serves as a reminder that true fulfillment doesn’t come from escapism or losing oneself in others, but from confronting one’s inner struggles and embracing the imperfect, painful reality of human existence.
PART 5: The Role of Faith and Spiritual Symbolism
Neon Genesis Evangelion is replete with religious symbols and spiritual imagery, from the iconic cross-shaped explosions to the use of angels as antagonists. The series incorporates these symbols not to convey a religious message, but rather to emphasize humanity’s search for meaning in an increasingly secular and uncertain world.
The use of Judeo-Christian symbolism in Evangelion is less about literal theology and more about exploring deeper existential questions. The frequent appearance of crosses, angels, and biblical references gives the series an air of mystique, inviting viewers to ponder the role of faith in a world where traditional beliefs may seem inadequate for answering life’s big questions.
By juxtaposing spiritual symbols with existential dilemmas, Evangelion suggests that traditional paths to meaning may no longer resonate with modern viewers. Instead, it proposes a more personal, introspective search for purpose. The religious symbolism serves as a backdrop, reminding viewers that the quest for understanding life’s mysteries is timeless. In this way, Evangelion uses spiritual imagery not as an answer, but as a reminder of humanity’s perpetual search for meaning in an unpredictable and often confusing world.
PART 6: The Meaning of Life According to Evangelion
Throughout Neon Genesis Evangelion, the characters grapple with questions of self-worth, connection, and purpose. Ultimately, Evangelion doesn’t provide clear answers about the meaning of life. Instead, it presents life as an open-ended journey filled with challenges, fears, and self-discovery.
The series emphasizes themes of self-acceptance, the importance of personal connections, and the courage to face one’s inner fears. Through Shinji’s journey, viewers are encouraged to confront their insecurities and seek meaning within themselves rather than in external validation or escape from pain. Evangelion implies that life’s meaning is found not in achieving perfection or avoiding suffering, but in embracing one’s flaws and making peace with the uncertainties of existence.
In the end, Evangelion leaves viewers with more questions than answers. Its message is both haunting and liberating: the search for meaning is deeply personal, and each person must confront their own fears, insecurities, and aspirations to find it. In this way, Evangelion serves as an invitation to look inward and forge one’s path, embracing both the light and darkness that define the human experience.
PART 7: Real-World Takeaways from Neon Genesis Evangelion
The existential themes of Evangelion resonate with viewers because they mirror real-life struggles. Shinji’s journey teaches viewers about the importance of self-acceptance, facing one’s fears, and finding strength in vulnerability. For those grappling with feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, or isolation, Evangelion offers a message of hope: that even amidst life’s challenges, meaning can be found through connection, self-reflection, and the courage to confront inner darkness.
The series reminds us that relationships, though complicated, are essential for personal growth. Shinji’s relationships with Rei, Asuka, and others show that genuine connection requires vulnerability and the willingness to face rejection. In a world that often encourages self-reliance, Evangelion emphasizes that true strength comes from embracing both our need for others and our unique individuality.
By encouraging viewers to confront existential questions, Evangelion offers a powerful reflection on life’s purpose. It teaches that the search for meaning is ongoing, and that each person’s journey is valid, even when it’s messy and uncertain. Evangelion serves as a reminder that life’s meaning isn’t always found in answers—it’s often in the courage to keep asking questions.
Conclusion
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a profound exploration of life’s meaning, resonating deeply with audiences because it speaks to universal human experiences. By exploring themes of identity, connection, and self-worth, it challenges viewers to confront their own existential questions and seek purpose within themselves. Evangelion reminds us that while life is often complex and uncertain, meaning can be found in the courage to face our fears, build authentic connections, and accept ourselves. In this way, Evangelion stands as a timeless work that encourages us to embrace both the beauty and struggle of being human.