Dragon Ball Philosophy (RIP Toriyama)

Now we could settle the debate of Goku vs Vegeta who is more stronger but real ones see them and think hell yeah to both, today I will not be saying which is better like the plebeians who can’t like both; instead I will be going over the mindset, teachings and philosophy of these legendary goats.

Son Goku

Due to the immense popularity of dbz it’s no lie that it’s inspired many others from every age bracket and from all over the globe. Being a fighter anime, the major theme is improving and dbz doesn’t give complex dietary needs or anything to be a hack but has core foundations of pushing yourself beyond and no one other than Goku’s is the prime example of training there is. "Power isn't just about being strong. It's about how well you can control that strength." Goku is all about strength on the outside but a good deal may not know that strength will only get you so if you don’t know how to use that strength, this can be taken literally or mentally too. Literally being that you need to have discipline to achieve a goal, as if you don’t have that power you cannot achieve or get stronger. I find this quote so deep in philosophical meaning because it can also mean everything in life with the power of your brain or body. It all depends on how you use it.

"Sometimes Life Is Too Uncertain To Have Regrets." Goku’s philosophy is to not worry and don’t overthink things, as it may be a side effect of him being dropped on his head as a baby that took away his evil side and has been a numbskull ever since. Haters will not know this fact as they don't know dragon ball lore but that’s literally Goku (he does get a bit too much in super but people exaggerate it as I watched dbz and dbs at the same time and wasn't much of a difference tbh). So, he is saying life is full of changes and the future has endless possibilities so life is too short to have regrets as the only thing that matters to him is the present and his dreams. With the disadvantage of Goku being an airhead comes with a whole lot of advantages of crazy work ethic, great mental fortitude and positive everything so is having a brain really worth it in the end?

I think Goku was made intentionally to be dumb like a child, as Toriyama was trying to tell us that you shouldn’t lose your inner child as that’s the core happiness when you thought monster trucks, dinosaurs and power rangers were cool for example. Then you lose them on your way to adult city, Goku teaches that staying true to your true self will get you far and happier to be at peace with yourself. His demeanor is like this to motivate the audience to improve themselves, to be happy, healthy and live to the fullest. Toriyama I think the true meaning for Dragon Ball was to make something positive that will actually change people’s lives. Goku alone isn’t strong, he is also strong when he faces something bigger than him, which he wants to overcome; proving that even at the best you can still aim to get better and learn something. This teaches us the humbleness needed in life, as no matter how at the top you think you are; thinking you are the best means you can’t progress forward. Dbz is like the bible for Japan and anime, there’s so many life lessons that someone can adopt.

Prince Vegeta

We talked about the one who can solo anything and everything, but we can't forget someone with more swag and badass. Which of course is my man Vegeta, we went 180 with this one as he is anything but humble. However, deep down Vegeta is a very complex character when you think about it. The saiyan pride is what vegeta embodies, his braggadocious nature is not backed up by nothing. His biggest hype man is himself even though he knows he may not be like Goku at the moment and admits, he still says he is the best because that’s confidence and to have that you must embody it so to be fearless in the face of great obstacles you can overcome the impossible by believing in yourself like Vegeta believes in Vegeta. That is ultimately the most gangsta thing in dbz is when he brings out a boastful quirk and drops the mic harder than a nuclear bomb. Of course no one can match a flame to Vegeta in reality but taking on his mentality even a little you can be more positive in life and believe you can do it as dragon ball believes in you.

"Only a Failure Abandons His Principles and His Pride." Vegeta has never backed down from a challenge because of his strong resolve that he must at least try to take down the problem at hand, otherwise you can never know if you can actually do it if you never try. Having strength to go pass and turn an unlikely situation into a positive or strength to fail and not give up is what builds strength as it can build resilience and dedication. Doing so he was able to beat enemies that seemed to have the upper hand but he believed more in himself and was able to not sway in the wind of formidable foes. "You Will Be The Best, or You'll Be Nothing." Vegeta never settles for second best, he always aims to be the best and beyond that as you can always improve past that, if you are going to try, why not go for the sky. This shows his will power to excel and never give up as he wants to show the world his worth. Everyone can take a leaf out of Vegeta's book as even at his lowest he got back up and aimed to be at the top and work towards it, which is real motivation.

I believe Akira Toriyama made this anime to make the world a little brighter, and it has so many positive messages in the show and will shine for an eternity more so because it’s a timeless classic. Thank you Toriyama, rest in paradise…

Thanks for Reading!