Lessons from manga

Watching manga recaps is like putting my brain on life support with a feeding tube. But even then, I find myself thinking about life lessons.

• Healthy heart, healthy mind: In one manga, a woman is reincarnated after dying from a lingering childhood illness. In her next life when asked why she’s such a strong mage she links it back to her excellent health. I often us my brain as an excuse. I’m not into sports. I don’t want to sweat for a living. But if I want to have a healthy brain, I can’t neglect my health.
• Teaching self-reliance: In another manga, a high-ranked elf takes on a disciple, but most of the time leaves him to his own devices. Rather than teaching him how to defeat an armor boar she tells him that he let fear overtake him and next time he should observe. It seems a bit neglectful, but really that’s the best lesson he can learn for long-term survival.
• Exploitation spreads weakness: In many manga, the main character is exploited and made to do everything for a party or a kingdom. I often see this as a problem that cuts both ways. The main character is being exploited, but they are also letting the people exploiting them become dependent, lazy, and stupid. Too much help can lead to helplessness.

Are these lessons worth the brain drain? Probably not, but at least I’m getting a bit of nutritional value.