The wisdom of "one piece"

[akakami]

"to my mind with one piece you can learn for your life!
one piece really gives answers and solutions to
every problem existent in this world!": this is what i only thought since i read chapter 485.
Just look at Zoro!
Having no hope for the Hereafter since he does not have a religion
he still goes for it and sacrifices himself for his captain and nakama!
What a formidable and honorable way of life - not even people who have hope for the Hereafter do what he has done - so i come to the conclusion that he is the best role model one can have! In fact, he never regrets his deeds ´cause he stands to his words and ambition and therefore he did not even move an inch when his heart was almost pierced by the smaller sword of Mihawk. - Zoro wanted to make his name to sound in the whole world - to my mind, every human being can let his name sound in the whole world as the name of an honorable person if he imitates Roronoa Zoro since he is the "best role model".

i look forward to your comments

[MagneticMonkey]

and what if someone imitates him in a bad way? I mean there are crazy people irl who think that killing is necessary. If they take zoro as a role model it would be chaos.
The intention is important.

[flandrian15]

there ya go !

http://apforums.net/showthread.php?t=12012

[MagneticMonkey]

It's not a theory. He found someone in OP he admires.

[Zkaiser]

This is inspirational.

[Gabbe]

@akakami:

"to my mind with one piece you can learn for your life!
one piece really gives answers and solutions to
every problem existent in this world!": this is what i only thought since i read chapter 485.
Just look at Zoro!
Having no hope for the Hereafter since he does not have a religion
he still goes for it and sacrifices himself for his captain and nakama!
What a formidable and honorable way of life - not even people who have hope for the Hereafter do what he has done - so i come to the conclusion that he is the best role model one can have! In fact, he never regrets his deeds ´cause he stands to his words and ambition and therefore he did not even move an inch when his heart was almost pierced by the smaller sword of Mihawk. - Zoro wanted to make his name to sound in the whole world - to my mind, every human being can let his name sound in the whole world as the name of an honorable person if he imitates Roronoa Zoro since he is the "best role model".

i look forward to your comments

Your view on religion is "special"

[Conspiracynut]

All the Strawhats have their admirable traits; and also their flaws:

Luffy is determined, made of rubber, light-hearted, battle-smart, autistic, and knows the value of sentimentality. But he is also clueless, vulnrable to sharp objects, autistic, and requires a massive appetite.
Nami is clever, charming, talented, intelligent, has common sense, and the power to predict the weather. However she is also greedy, obsessed with miniskirts, and susseptable to PMS.
Usopp is imaginative, talented, admires his father, and fun to be around. Although he is also prideful, cowardly, physically weak, and has a suggestive-looking nose.
Robin is intelligent, likes to read, hopes to uncover an epic conspiracy, and has the power of partial cloning. Then again, she is also brutal, hardened by the outlaw life, keeps to herself, and is susseptable to PMS.
Brook is light-weight, polite, plays the violin, and has an afro. Of corse, he is also out-of-touch, obsessed with panties, and scares she shit out of everybody.

Zoro's deeds demand no more admiration than the rest of them.

[Dark_King_Zasalamel]

killing is fun!!!!!!!!!!

[Greg]

I don't think I ever found a theme Oda infused in his story as 'wise'. Quite frankly I think his world view is more naive than anything.

I do think his ability to create scenarios that resonante with all of us on some level is remarkable though.

[Sesshy]

Since when does loyalty, ambition, and lack of religion amount to wisdom? Sorry but this sounds like a fanboy putting his favorite character on a pedestal. Mind you, Zoro would probably be my favorite also if I had to choose, but this is pretty ludicrous.

Edit- Also seems like you want to try to slander religion in an offhanded way as well. I find it ridiculous when people say not to push our religion on them, but it's okay for them to push non-religion on us. I'd rather avoid the subject all together.

Double Edit- I rethought about my original edit and it seemed like I was just reading into something that I only took a glance at. It just seemed like there was no real reason to bring his ideology into this then compare it to REAL people's ideologies.

[Smokin' D. Ace]

@Conspiracynut:

All the Strawhats have their admirable traits; and also their flaws:

Luffy is determined, made of rubber, light-hearted, battle-smart, autistic, and knows the value of sentimentality. But he is also clueless, vulnrable to sharp objects, autistic, and requires a massive appetite.
Nami is clever, charming, talented, intelligent, has common sense, and the power to predict the weather. However she is also greedy, obsessed with miniskirts, and susseptable to PMS.
Usopp is imaginative, talented, admires his father, and fun to be around. Although he is also prideful, cowardly, physically weak, and has a suggestive-looking nose.
Robin is intelligent, likes to read, hopes to uncover an epic conspiracy, and has the power of partial cloning. Then again, she is also brutal, hardened by the outlaw life, keeps to herself, and is susseptable to PMS.
Brook is light-weight, polite, plays the violin, and has an afro. Of corse, he is also out-of-touch, obsessed with panties, and scares she shit out of everybody.

Zoro's deeds demand no more admiration than the rest of them.

I somewhat disagree with your list of admirable traits and flaws, but you are of course entitled to your opinion (if you were even serious).
All the Straw Hats have their good sides and bad sides, what the different traits are up to each of us to decide for ourselves, but your post make it sound like since all the Straw Hats have their admirable traits it's pointless to praise Zoro for his good actions. By the same premise, no one is worth compliments for a good deed because they are nothing special - others have admirable traits too. A bit single minded don't you think?

@Sesshy:

Since when does loyalty, ambition, and lack of religion amount to wisdom?

While I do not necceserly agree with the topic, and agree with you that it sounds like a fanboy I do have to point out that the way of life Zoro has been displaying can be considered as scource for wisdom. Living with no regrets is a good thing and abide by your principles no matter what is a good thing aint it? If you have no regrets you can easier enjoy your life and hence be happy, and isn't that a point wisdom is trying to teach? How to enjoy a happy life with no regrets.

[Mister Yakuza]

@Conspiracynut:

All the Strawhats have their admirable traits; and also their flaws:

Luffy is determined, made of rubber, light-hearted, battle-smart, autistic, and knows the value of sentimentality. But he is also clueless, vulnrable to sharp objects, autistic, and requires a massive appetite.
Nami is clever, charming, talented, intelligent, has common sense, and the power to predict the weather. However she is also greedy, obsessed with miniskirts, and susseptable to PMS.
Usopp is imaginative, talented, admires his father, and fun to be around. Although he is also prideful, cowardly, physically weak, and has a suggestive-looking nose.
Robin is intelligent, likes to read, hopes to uncover an epic conspiracy, and has the power of partial cloning. Then again, she is also brutal, hardened by the outlaw life, keeps to herself, and is susseptable to PMS.
Brook is light-weight, polite, plays the violin, and has an afro. Of corse, he is also out-of-touch, obsessed with panties, and scares she shit out of everybody.

Zoro's deeds demand no more admiration than the rest of them.

you just snub franky and sanji!!!!! I fucking hate you!!!!

[dirt monkey AL]

HEY.

The only religion in One Piece is Luffy/Harem.

[GREKCUTEN0TM3AN1one]

One Piece is a manga with very many different reference too all kind of crap… I would go so far calling it inteligent, but wise, like answers too the life... nah!

I don't want to write more... Chapter 122, page 10:

[phyrros]

@GREK:

One Piece is a manga with very many different reference too all kind of crap… I would go so far calling it inteligent, but wise, like answers too the life... nah!

hum. I wouldn't even call it intelligent, One Piece has (like most mangas & comics) a very simple truth: determination & friendship can overcome every foe.

In terms of serving real information within a comic i admire Don Rosa, in terms of wisdom i'd like to bring in Art Spiegelmans "The complete Maus". Hopefully One Piece will never reach the wisdom of Maus cause it would destroy this wonderful childish, naive world Oda created. Where people die because the bad ones kill them and not just because of the ignorance of the righteous…

Answers can be found in every comic, manga, film song. Its the purpose of Art to construct a parallel world in which you can find answers for your real life questions. Hey, i used Luffy to explain a 8yr old girl why her autistic brother is no worthless person, that wisdom lays within the interpretation of an impression...

anyway. don't underestimate the mightiness of a old truth. Nothing is true just because millions of people have believed in it for centuries (like in the world religions) but nevertheless - who are you, puny human beeing to know it better?

Maybe Arlong knew the bitter truth and Luffy was just more willing to fight.
Maybe we are the Fishmen and the 3rd world is the Strawhat pirates. Luffy could even be your ordinary suicide bomber, willing to die for his friends, for his belief. You wanted a truth, serves you right.

argh, off learning seismology.
cheers phy

[Conspiracynut]

Smokin' D, I was being both serious and silly with what I said. Notice that I listed autism as both a flaw and admirable trait. I myself am autistic and know the ups-and-downs of it. Keep in mind that some of these flaws are why we love them, because they're so funny. Also, we haven't actually seen Robin's PMS rage, but we all know it's there.

Furthermore, you assume that I meant to imply (in my statement that they all have equal value) that they all have low value. This is quite the opposite: They all have very high value. Zoro's lack of regret is indeed a show of great virtue; but all the crew have such outstanding moments.

Yakuza, I was just being lazy. Get over it.

[MiniLuffy]

I think One Piece really has it's own way of unveiling the secrets of life. It helps.

[Mugiwara Kaizoku]

i think scrubs has a greater role model character to it than one piece, but one piece has it's moments sometimes.
…still not enough to make it a thread though.

talking of role models: legen, wait for it.......

[Gekko135]

I think the underlying point of this thread has already been stated. One Piece has many remarkable characters that all have convictions, friends, and dreams that they'd give their lives for. And of course the theme of honor will be apparent as well. Their situations are no where near what goes on in real life, but these characters do resonate and appeal to just about anyone with a heart.

like other members have already stated, it's the character's intentions that can inspire a person.

BTW, sorry Zoro, but the spot for best role model is already taken:

!

[Sesshy]

@Smokin':

While I do not necceserly agree with the topic, and agree with you that it sounds like a fanboy I do have to point out that the way of life Zoro has been displaying can be considered as scource for wisdom. Living with no regrets is a good thing and abide by your principles no matter what is a good thing aint it? If you have no regrets you can easier enjoy your life and hence be happy, and isn't that a point wisdom is trying to teach? How to enjoy a happy life with no regrets.

Zoro isn't just living a happy life, he's trying to become World's #1 swordsman from a childhood promise. I'm not saying that the things I pointed out are bad traits, I just don't see it as wisdom being portrayed by the character.

[estarapapax]

My only comment is: Never make a fictional character as your role model. Go out and find good friends and mentors. Even how perfect fictional characters seem to be, they're still fictional. They are always designed to be perfect characters. They are theoretical, ideal. A real role model will always have lapses, short-comings, and real-life experiences from which you can learn a lot. Don't take manga too seriously. Don't let it define how you should live your life.

[evil monkey]

@estarapapax:

My only comment is: Never make a fictional character as your role model. Go out and find good friends and mentors. Even how perfect fictional characters seem to be, they're still fictional. They are always designed to be perfect characters. They are theoretical, ideal. A real role model will always have lapses, short-comings, and real-life experiences from which you can learn a lot. Don't take manga too seriously. Don't let it define how you should live your life.

agreed.
mangas and comics are good, fun and entertaining but you shouldn't let it affect your life too much.
plus most of the things in fiction never happen in real life.

[Ichnob]

That's not entirely true. When you're young, you're mostly interested in fictional characters, so it's not unusual that you'd idealize some of the things about them. Growing up, I looked up to pro-wrestler Bret Hart. If I knew the things about him that I do now (thanks to his autobiography), he would never have been a role-model to me. But his fictional character did help shape the way I grew up.

Now, hopefully the original poster isn't going around trying to be a sword-wielding vigilante or something, but if he takes anything that Zoro represents to heart, hopefully it'll be something like "hard work will eventually be rewarded," or "always keep a clear sight of your goals," or "just because you fail one time doesn't mean that you'll never succeed."

[ultimec1a]

@estarapapax:

My only comment is: Never make a fictional character as your role model. Go out and find good friends and mentors. Even how perfect fictional characters seem to be, they're still fictional. They are always designed to be perfect characters. They are theoretical, ideal. A real role model will always have lapses, short-comings, and real-life experiences from which you can learn a lot. Don't take manga too seriously. Don't let it define how you should live your life.

How dare you ruin the minds and imaginations of these disillusioned (fragile) young nerds!

[Lucky D]

I like the title of the topic and expected something else. I don't care much about Zoro. The lack of smile in his face makes me think he doesn't enjoy his life enough. (but of course it isn't so) But anyway.. I don't know about role models but One Piece does have some very good "wisdoms" or "ideals". Ie:

Bellemere: Don't hate the times you were born under,
no matter what happens…!!
I don't care if no one ever says anything nice about you!
Don't ever forget the strength to smile...
As long as you pull through...
Great things are bound to happen...!!!

and

Everything that humans can imagine
is possible in reality.
-Physicist Willie Gallon

and

The sea's a big place…
You'll find them!!!
You'll find friends who will keep you safe!!!
NOBODY'S BORN INTO THIS WORLD COMPLETELY ALONE!!!!

Maybe I am naive, but I really do believe these things. And I think there has been studies that show that happines is mostly about the attitude. My favorite books, films, music and other stories usually share this kind of attitude, and because of that I like them. Call it escapism or whatever, I don't think it really is, and I don't care. Always look on the bright side of life.

[NuFiasco]

@Ichnob:

That's not entirely true. When you're young, you're mostly interested in fictional characters, so it's not unusual that you'd idealize some of the things about them. Growing up, I looked up to pro-wrestler Bret Hart. If I knew the things about him that I do now (thanks to his autobiography), he would never have been a role-model to me. But his fictional character did help shape the way I grew up.

Now, hopefully the original poster isn't going around trying to be a sword-wielding vigilante or something, but if he takes anything that Zoro represents to heart, hopefully it'll be something like "hard work will eventually be rewarded," or "always keep a clear sight of your goals," or "just because you fail one time doesn't mean that you'll never succeed."

Exactly. I idolized so many characters when I was younger, that they indeed did help shape my own personality. Theres nothing wrong with that at all.

[VicViper]

I don't think there's something wrong in a life style based on a character, even in Star Trek ones if you wish… If you're not killing nobody of course...

Even for religion some people kill each other, so why not have a life based on Optimus Prime, Ayrton Senna, Mr. T or whatever the hell you feel like?

In real life, when I put too much hopes in somebody, this person somehow will fail with me, I'm not saying you don't need friends, but simply try to have a friend, not a hero. I'm telling this because I used to have a hero in real life, and this person sudden turned into somebody completely different after a while, I guess if it wasn't for my eyes trying to see some sort of Jesus he could still be my friend, but anyway, that is my case and my experience, I hope you don't get mad at me if you disagree.

If it matters for somebody, in this recent years I try to be like Kareem Said from Oz. And I feel sane.