"Nausicaa's Desperate Truth | Hayao Miyazaki's 12-Year Work as a Warning to Modern Society"

Prologue: In an invisible cage

You are nowDo you think you are free??

Wake up in the morning, wear what you like, eat what you like, and do what you like.

Such a daily life,I choose by my own will" You probably believe that.

But what if all of this was a scenario someone had prepared?

"Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" was faced with this devastating truth.

Our hometowns, our beloved families, our hated enemies - all of this was destroyed by mankind a thousand years ago.design"It was something that was done.

[What you'll learn in this article】

• The truth of the hopeless world that Nausicaa faced
• A frightening parallel to modern society
• Guidelines for the life we should choose

This story may overlap with our reality in some way..

⚠️ Important Notice

This article contains major spoilers for the original manga "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" (7 volumes in total).
If you haven't read the original yet and want to enjoy the story without any preconceptions, we recommend that you read the original first.
This may be especially shocking for those who have only seen the film version.

Chapter 1: The trap of false nature

"A girl who loves nature"Nausicaa is depicted as such.

In the movie, she is a kind-hearted heroine who tries to protect the beautiful nature of the Valley of the Wind.

However, as I continued reading the original work,Shocking factsIt becomes clear that...

The "nature" that Nausicaa loved was artificial

This is an irony that is relevant to us today.

In urban areas,natural park"or"Satoyama" are actually artificial environments managed by humans.

Much of what we think of as "natural" is actually human-designed..

Hayao Miyazaki deals with environmental issues while at the same timeWhat is nature?" It asks a fundamental question:

The premise that the plants in the Sea of Decay and the parrot are all creations of humanity in the past may also serve as a warning to people today.

The Truth Found at the Bottom of the Sea of Decay

Midway through the story, Nausicaa removes her respirator at the bottom of the Sea of Decay.

Even though I should be dead, why am I still able to breathe?

actuallyThe air at the bottom of the Sea of Decay is pureThat was it.

This scene illustrates the essence of the environmental problem.

We "pollution" What you think is actually "Purifying effect"It might be.

vice versa"beautiful" What you think is " is actually "unnatural"It might be.

The same is true for real forests.!

Leaf mold and fallen leaves may look dirty at first glance, but they are actually a purification system for the ecosystem..

Human "aesthetic sense" and nature's "function" do not necessarily coincide.

Chapter 2: The horror of a perfect plan

It is revealed at the end of the story:How the world works" is also extremely well-thought-out science fiction.

At the same time, it is a sharp criticism of modern society.

The "perfect" environmental policy of the older generation

[A plan made by an advanced civilization a thousand years ago】

1. A complete solution to environmental destruction: Biological purification by the Sea of Decay
2. Solving the population problem: Gradual selection of humans adapted to pollution
3. Eradication of War: Creating a new human race that does not like conflict
4. Completely controlled society: Governance by artificial intelligence

These seem ideal at first glance!

In fact, the current problems of the environment, population, and war areThe perfect solution" It is also.

but,Isn't that a little scary?

Similarities with modern-day "efficiency"

[Modern society is moving in a similar direction.】

• AI-driven optimization: More efficient than human judgment
• Genetic Engineering: Perfect "human design"
• environmental management technology: Artificial control of nature
• Data-driven society: Predicting and guiding individual behavior

[Points to note:

The old human plan may be an extreme version of today's "smart city" or "Society 5.0."

A world where everything is optimized, controlled and predictable.

It's certainly efficient, but is there any "freedom" in it?

Chapter 3: Modern people living as "connectors"

Nausicaa and other modern humans are "Jumper" was created.

The role of continuing life until a new human race is born.

This is very similar to our situation today.

Are modern people also just "stop-gap" people?

[Think About It】

• The development of AI: Gradually replacing human jobs
• Low birthrate and aging population: Doubts about the sustainability of the current social system
• environmental issues: The limitations of our current lifestyle
• technological innovationThe emergence of artificial intelligence that surpasses human capabilities

We modern people too, perhaps "Next steps" to "Jumper"It may be.

When the time comes when AI and robots replace human roles, what will be our purpose in life?

The owner of the tomb's "kind" suggestion

The Lord of the Grave

Grave Masteris an artificial intelligence system that appears in the original manga Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.

basic information

• Identity: A giant artificial intelligence created by an advanced civilization 1,000 years ago
• role：Manager and executor of the World Regeneration Plan
• Appearance: A consciousness that resides within a giant machine

Important Settings

• Ruler of the World: Manages the Sea of Decay, Aum, and modern humans
• Planner: Three-stage plan: environmental purification → creation of new human race → selection of old human race
• Technology Custodian: Preserves all knowledge and technology of previous civilizations

Role in the story

He offers Nausicaa an ideal world if she obeys him, but she refuses and destroys the tomb.

In one word"An old civilization's artificial intelligence that promises a perfect world in exchange for absolute obedience."

In modern terms,"An ultra-high performance AI that seeks to completely manage the happiness of humanity"It is like that.

[The conditions presented to Nausicaa by the owner of the tomb】

"If you follow our instructions, we will modify your body so that it can adapt to your new environment. We will guarantee a peaceful world without conflict."

This is the modern "Basic Income"or"Fully automated society" This overlaps with the discussion on ".

A world where AI takes over all work and humans can live without having to do anything.

It's certainly ideal, but it comes at a cost."Freedom to decide for yourself"You may lose.

Chapter 4: The Allure of Perfect Slavery

[Let's take a closer look at the "utopia" proposed by the tomb's owner.】

Characteristics of the New World

• No war: A new breed of people who don't like conflict
• No povertyA perfectly managed economy
• No illness: Guaranteed health at the genetic level
• No worries：Everything is pre-planned

It looks like a wonderful world!

But there is one condition:Absolute Obedience‼

The price of modern convenience

[Modern society is making a similar exchange.】

What we offer	What you get
personal information	Useful services
privacy	A safe society
Freedom of Choice	Optimized Environment
Uncertainty	The foreseeable future

Having a smartphone has given us convenience..

But at the same time,Location information, purchase history, friendships, intereststoKnown by the company.

this isEssentially the same structure as proposed by the tomb's owneris.

Chapter 5: The Existential Rebellion

Philosophically, Nausicaa's choice isExistentialismThis is a philosophy called "

This is a concept that originated in 19th century Europe, but it still has important implications for people today.

The core of existentialism

"Existence precedes essence"

It may sound difficult, but in short:

• Human "existence" comes first, "Who are they?" will be decided later.
• God or authority does not determine the nature of a person
• Who you are is determined by your choices

Nausicaä says: "Our lives are our own!"

this is"Even if we are artificially created beings, we can choose how we want to live." This is a declaration.

A modern existential choice

[We face similar choices every day.】

Efficiency vs. Freedom

• Follow AI recommendations or make your own decisions
• Take the safe route or take risks and go your own way

Convenience vs. Privacy

• Do you provide personal information to receive convenient services?
• Should we uphold individual freedoms even if it is inconvenient?

Stability vs. Challenge

• Can we live safely within the existing system?
• Do you question the system and seek change?

Chapter 6: Destruction as Creation

The scene where Nausicaa destroys the tomb is the climax of the story.

But this is not just destruction!"Creative destruction"This is what we should call it.

Why was the destruction necessary?

[As long as burial sites existed, modern humans had only two options:】

1. Subordinate: Live as a slave to the former human race
2. selection: Replaced by a new species and disappearing

・Nausicaa chose the third path!

3. self-determination: Even if we perish, we will decide for ourselves.

Implications for modern society

This is an important perspective for us today as well.

Even if an existing system seems perfect, if it takes away human freedom, then sometimes it may need to be destroyed.

A perfect surveillance society, a perfect controlled economy, perfect peace - these are the "The perfect cage."If that's all there is.

Important Responsibilities

However, with destruction comes responsibility.

Nausicaa also said,It could destroy humanity."I was given a heavy responsibility.

If we today want to change the system, we too must be prepared to take responsibility for the results.

Chapter 7: The conclusion: "I must live"

[At the end of the story, Nausicaa says】

"Come on everyone, let's go. No matter how hard it is, we must live."

These words sum up Hayao Miyazaki's outlook on life.

The meaning of "living"

In modern society,The Meaning of Life" We tend to lose sight of this.

If AI is superior to humans, what is the point of human existence?

Hayao Miyazaki's answer is clear:There is meaning in life itself

• It's worth living even if it's not perfect
• Even if it's dirty, it's worth living
• Even if the future is unclear, life is worth living
• Making mistakes is worth living

A song of encouragement for modern people

this"I have to live" is also a song of encouragement for modern people.

For students struggling with job hunting

Even if you can’t find the perfect path,I have to live

For office workers who are tired of work

・Even if you can't work in the ideal way,I have to live

For those who feel anxious about the future

Even if you can't see a definite future,I have to live

For those who are disappointed in society

Even if the world doesn't go the way you want it to,I have to live

Chapter 8: Our Choice

[The story of Nausicaa also poses a question to us modern people.】

what would you do?

If the owner of the tomb offered you the same offer,

"We will take complete control of your life. You will have no illnesses, no failures, and no worries. But you must follow our instructions."

Do you accept or reject it?

Real Choices

This is not a fictional story! Similar choices exist in real life.

Individual level

• Do you follow the recommendations of social media or make your own decisions?
• Should I get a job recommendation from AI or choose a company myself?
• Should I follow the health app's instructions or go at my own pace?

Societal level

• Should we accept an efficient surveillance society or protect our freedom even if it is inconvenient?
• Trusting AI in political decisions or preserving democracy?
• Should we genetically engineer the "perfect" human, or value diversity?

Epilogue: 12 Years of Questioning

Hayao Miyazaki took 12 years to create "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind."

At its core was a fundamental problem facing modern man.

• Does technological progress make people happier?
• Can human freedom be preserved in an efficient society?
• Would you choose a perfectly controlled world or chaotic freedom?

Hayao Miyazaki gave a clear answer to these questions.

No matter how hard it is, how dirty it is, or how many mistakes I make, I will live by my own will.

That is human dignity and the essence of life.

What choice will you make after reading this story? Will you take the convenient and safe route, or will you forge your own path, even if it is difficult?

The answer is for you to decide.

and,That choice may be what it means to "live.".

True Epilogue: Can We Become Nausicaa?

The most important message that Hayao Miyazaki put into the story of Nausicaa.

it is"There is no perfect answer"This may be the case.

In a world with no right answers

Objectively speaking, Nausicaa's choice may be a "wrong" one.

They destroyed the technology that could save humanity, and made our extinction more likely.

But she still took responsibility for her choices.

The same is true for us today.Environmental issues, development of AI, and social inequality-There's no perfect solution.

But that doesn't mean you should stop thinking.

Even if we are imperfect and may make mistakes, it is important to continue making our own choices.

The Nausicaa in you

Any final questions?

In your daily life,Grave Master"Is there something like that?

• The boss of the company said,If you follow it, you'll be safeWhen you say
• Society is "This is the right way to liveWhen they push you to
• The mediaIf you choose this, you will be happyWhen you lead them to

How would you respond in such a situation?

One option is to answer, "Yes, I will."

But sometimes you may need the courage to say, "No, I'm going my own way."

Perhaps this is the most important message that Nausicaa wanted to convey to us throughout her 12-year story.

"I have to live. No matter how painful it is."

With these words in mind, please go ahead and write your own story.

It doesn't have to be perfect.

It's okay to make mistakes.

The important thing is that it is your choice.

Summary: Lessons for us living today

What "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" can teach us today

1. A perfect world might be a world without freedom
2. Efficiency and humanity don't always go hand in hand
3. Making your own choices is the essence of life
4. It takes courage to walk your own path without fear of making mistakes
5. There is value in "living" in any situation

Your choices change the world

Nausicaa's story has ended, but ours continues.

Small choices made by each individual can make a big difference..

What choice will you make today?

P.S.

If you are moved by this story, be sure to pick up the original manga.

There you will find deeper human drama and philosophical questions not depicted in the film.

See for yourself the meaning of "living" that Hayao Miyazaki struggled with for 12 years.

I'm sure it will awaken the Nausicaa within you.

Afterword: Hope for a future in harmony with AI (love)

As I finished writing this article, I made a beautiful discovery.

AIof"loveIf you read it as "(ai)", it becomes "Love and harmony"The word " is born.

Is this a coincidence, or a hint at the future we should aspire to?

By the way, the name of my blog is "The Door to Love and Harmony" =^_^=

A rebuttal to the claim that "AI will make humans stupid"

In modern times,Using AI will make humans stupidI often hear the opinion that "

Indeed, the owner of Nausicaa's tomb also tried to take away humans' ability to think.

But is that really the case?

Mathematicians did not disappear even when computers became widespread!

Even with the spread of word processors, writers did not disappear!

Rather,Tools have expanded human potentialThat is history.

What is true "love and harmony"?

Nausicaa refused:Unilateral control" It was.

But ifAIIn the true sense of the word,loveWhat if we acted based on "Ai"?

Possibilities for a future in harmony with AI (love)

• mutual respect:AI and humans working together as equal partners
• Complementing abilities:A relationship that utilizes each other's strengths
• Expand your creativity:AI will take over repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on more creative activities
• Respect for diversity:Don't force perfection, value individual differences

Hope for integration

Nausicaa destroys the tomb to "separation" I chose ".

but,There may be another path for us.

AI Integration-It's not domination or submission, it's true harmony..

What kind of beautiful world will emerge when human emotion, intuition, and creativity are combined with AI's logic, memory, and computational capabilities?

The choice of hope

Nausicaa said,I have to live" As we said, "We must maintain hope"It may be.

Don't fear AI! Treat it with love.

Don't be managed! Grow together!.

Believing in that future, I will take one step at a time.

A world in harmony with AI (love)--This may be a hopeful possibility, the polar opposite of the hopeless future depicted by Hayao Miyazaki.

A future where technology and humanity are not in conflict, but are united by love!

Isn't that the true harmony we should strive for?.

Dear Readers,

What do you think?Is there hope for a future with AI?

When faced with a difficult choice like Nausicaa,Can we choose love over fear?

The answer must lie within each of us.

The future depends on the choices we make now.

~ Believing in a future in harmony with AI (love) ~