This post contains mild spoilers if you haven’t watched past Naruto Episode 20.
“What I thought of myself was, the most painful thing, that my existence didn’t matter to anyone in the world.” Haku realizes after his family is gone.
This is a really interesting philosophy and takes place during:
- Episode 14: The Number One Hyperactive, Knucklehead Ninja Join the Fight!
to
- Episode 18: The Weapons Known as Shinobi
It hints on humans’ desire to want to do something for people. A lot of times, people get motivation by wanting to achieve a goal for someone they hold dear to themselves. A parent works long hours, though they may not enjoy it, to provide food and shelter for their family and make them happy. Haku risks his life to protect Zabuza. People are fueled by their desire to make others happy.
Similarly, people also get motivation or will by wanting to be acknowledged. Like Naruto and Haku. Naruto works hard to become the Hokage because everyone will listen to his word and he’ll be an important figure in the village. Haku was almost killed for his abilities, and more predominantly, being who he was. But he has the desire to live because his companion (moreso owner) acknowledges and appreciates his power.
Real life examples to this phenomenon are athletes and business men that train and work long hours respectively because they look forward to that acknowledgement when they achieve their goal. There is the self-satisfaction as well that comes along with finally getting through. But praise can also be a really big contributor.
"Zabuza counts on me, even if I’m worthless. He made me feel needed. But now, I have lost my usefulness that affirmed my existence. Zabuza no longer needs me." Haku says after he fails to keep up his jutsu as Naruto breaks through it.
Here, Haku has lost the desire to live and has let go of all motivation because he feels that, once again, he has lost that acknowledgment and care that Zabuza may have provided.
Because of this aspect, this kind of thinking can be dangerous as if an individual loses contact with the one that influences them. Because there’s this sense of dependency, and without them, the individual ends up feeling lost.
In my personal opinion, there should be people in one’s life that one loves and wants to be the best for. But there shouldn’t be this total dependency on them. Because one day, they will have to be alone for whatever reason, and however long, and it would prove to be very painful.
