“Believe in yourself. Pick a path that you, deep down in your soul, won't be ashamed of.” – Izumi Curtis
In 2001, Hiromu Arakawa created "The Fullmetal Alchemist",
a manga that has sold approximately 64 million copies as of 2014
and it's been featured at The New York Times Best Seller Manga list.
Edward and Alphonse Elric are alchemist brothers searching for the legendary catalyst
called the Philosopher's Stone. Through their story, the creator explores social problems, hatred,
warfare and religion. But what really explores is the concept of equivalent exchange.
An alchemist concept that can be sum up as this:
You cannot gain something, without giving something in return.
This is Alchemy's First Law. A belief the Elric brothers follow. Humankind cannot gain
something without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value
must be lost. It may be a painful lesson to learn, but as Edward says: a lesson without
pain is meaningless. That's because no one can gain anything without sacrificing something.
But by enduring that pain and overcoming it, you will gain a powerful, unmatched heart.
A full metal heart.
So, stand up and walk. Keep moving forward. You've got two good legs. So get up and use them.
You're strong enough to make your own path.You don't need to rely on anything.
We need to start walking again. We can't stand still. Not as long as we're still alive because
even when our eyes are closed, there's a whole world that exists outside ourselves and our
dreams. And it's waiting for you. The world is big but you are not small.
Remember that nothing's perfect. The world is not perfect but it's there for us,
trying the best it can; that's what makes it so beautiful.
So, don't give up on your quest, even if you find pain,
because that pain is nothing compared
to what you will feel when you give up. Be strong and never forgive the cruelty of this world.
It's our duty as human beings to be angry at injustice. But we must also endure it.
Because someone must sever this chain of hatred.
Believe in the future where everyone can live in happiness. Because it's possible.
As Trisha Elric once said: "We really are weak creatures, but that’s why we can strive
to become stronger. Even if you feel it’s useless, each step we take leads to something great.
That’s why I’m sure we’ll be able to change. Because we’re weak
and because death is inevitable. Humans try their best to live and end up becoming stronger.
Our greatest power is the same that makes us humans.
We fight to live, and that is what make us strong. We can change.
Don't forget the Alchemy's Law. Give something of yourself to the world and the world will
give back. The secret to living is giving.
The world is waiting for you and like Edward Elric always says, if you can't find a door...
make your own.