Anti Hero Arc
The Antihero Arc: Dancing With Malice
My prayers to those who are still led by empathy. Or even worse: sanity. To understand the true essence of the antihero arc, one must embrace malice, a volatile blend of spite and anger. Unlike typical emotions, malice acts as a relentless driving force that's unstructured and unpredictable.
The Essence of the Arc
Understanding Your Drive: Why are you risking it all?
It’s about leveraging your skills, be it media, code, or capital, to produce a desired output.
It's the game of signaling without overtly doing so. A balance of staying authentic, calm, and avoiding the pitfall of reacting to every stimulus.
Essential elements to master:
Belief
Values leading to actions
Psychologically-rooted value systems
The Pandora’s Box of malice
Thanks to Record of Ragnarok Season 2, I've come to terms with the fact that it's not just anger; it's malice. I don’t need the superficial social exchanges of founders' meetups. I'm here for my craft, not for mere social engagements.
Mortality Mindfulness
“Do not fear death. Death is always at our side. When we show fear, it jumps at us faster than light. But, if we do not show fear, it casts its eye upon us gently and then guides us into infinity.” – Laughing Bull
Reality Check
Our perceptions are constructed by the ideals instilled in us by society. But as the saying goes, 'More evil gets done in the name of righteousness than any other way.’
We’re all suffering - Keep moving forward
Embrace your struggles. Realize that everyone has their burdens. Some seem better off, but they're grappling with problems of their own.
As Rock from Black Lagoon rightly said,
"You're right. There is no way that I know that! I'm not you. But let me ask you something. What do you know about me? No matter how you live, one finds suffering, isn't it?"
Malice (spite + anger as drivers)
Malice is a powerful, volatile energy, akin to anger but without guidance. It’s more than mere frustration; it's a superpower.
General Intelligence - The Power of Adaptability, Trust, and Willpower
On Trust:
A bird's trust is not on the branch, which can break, but on its wings, its ability to fly and protect itself. This sentiment reminds us to rely on our strengths and abilities rather than external factors.
On Willpower:
Define your strengths and rise above others. To alter reality, you need an unwavering will that pushes you forward. There are adversaries everywhere, but true strength is gaining power, not merely possessing it.
Liberation
Free yourself from guilt and fear. As Revy from Black Lagoon voiced,
"Whether we live or die isn't a big issue. If you focus on being alive, you develop fear."
The Real Enemy
As Askeladd from Vinland Saga articulated,
“Every living human being is a slave to something.”
In essence, the only enemy you truly have is the one within you. It's an entity shaped by your past, your beliefs, and external influences. The world is vast, and while it’s essential to navigate it, one must remember that the actual battle is internal.
In conclusion, the antihero arc is about embracing the chaos within, leveraging it, and navigating the world without being enslaved by societal constructs. It's a dance with malice, a game of balance, and a journey towards self-actualization.
