Reader’s Question:
I watched both the Evangelion anime and the End of Evangelion movie, but I only understood about 10% of the latter, haha. I’m really confused about the difference between Gendo’s plan and Seele’s Human Instrumentality Project. Is Gendo’s goal to meet Yui right before everyone turns into LCL, which
happens when Lilith is revived? Did he really push this whole plan forward just for that one moment? I hope I’m not misunderstanding. Also, when Lilith is revived in her giant form, does that mean she looks like Lilith but is actually made up of humanity? Since the Human Instrumentality Project talks about everyone becoming one, I thought that was the case. I would really appreciate a clearer explanation, as I’m struggling to understand!
Understanding Gendo’s Plan vs. Seele’s Human Instrumentality Project
I remember the first time I dove into the intricate world of “Neon Genesis Evangelion.” It felt like jumping into a whirlpool of philosophical questions, psychological dilemmas, and existential crises. Honestly, it was a ride that left me breathless, much like Gendo’s ambitions and Seele’s grand designs. So, let’s unpack this tangled web of intentions and motivations together. First off, Gendo’s plan and Seele’s Human Instrumentality Project are intertwined, but they run on different tracks. Seele aims to unify humanity into a singular consciousness, leading to a sort of rebirth. They wish to erase the individual suffering that comes with being human. On the other hand, Gendo is not just looking for a collective existence; his ultimate goal is to be reunited with his deceased wife, Yui. You see, while Seele’s plan is about the collective, Gendo’s is deeply personal and selfishly motivated. I recall being utterly captivated when I first learned that Gendo’s drive stemmed from his desire to meet Yui again. It’s almost romantic — albeit in a twisted, apocalyptic way. He wishes to hold on to her essence and feel her presence, even if it means sacrificing the very fabric of humanity. The idea that he pushed this entire plan forward for that single moment made me realize how human — or perhaps inhuman — his motivations truly are. Now, about Lilith. When she is revived into her giant form, it’s a complex transformation. She appears as Lilith but embodies humanity’s collective essence. It’s a visual representation of the merging of souls, which is central to the Human Instrumentality Project. It’s almost poetic, isn’t it? To think that the very essence of humanity could be encapsulated in a single entity, yet still lose the individuality that makes each person unique. I can’t help but reflect on the irony here — the desire for unity leading to a loss of self. It echoes real-life struggles where people often desire connection yet fear losing their individuality. It’s a theme that resonates deeply with many of us. While I was mulling over these themes, I had a funny moment where I attempted to explain this to a friend over coffee. I arrived way too early, excitedly armed with my notes, only to realize that I had gotten the timelines of the series completely mixed up! There I was, trying to convince them that Gendo was somehow a misunderstood hero, while they just wanted to enjoy their cappuccino in peace. It was a hilarious disaster, but it sparked a conversation that led us to dissect the characters’ motivations further. In closing, Gendo and Seele’s plans, while seemingly aligned, ultimately clash at their cores. Gendo seeks personal redemption and reunion, while Seele pursues an impersonal, collective salvation. This dichotomy not only enriches the narrative but offers profound reflections on our own desires for connection and understanding. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with “Neon Genesis Evangelion” as well. Have you had any enlightening discussions or funny moments while trying to grasp its complex themes? Share your stories in the comments!
