2019/11/08 FLCL and not Trying
As the Buddha reminds us, desire is the root of all suffering. No character better exemplifies this idea than Mayuge (eyebrow dude) from FLCL. Obsessing over his lack of manliness, Mayuge always tries to wear the mask of manliness in the hope that his persona that he puts on will be noticed by others. His torment originates in his obsession over his youth. Forever yearning after Haruko, the embodiment of his youth, he is unable to move forward and continue growing in a natural progression. The personality unconsciously manifests itself within you and any conscious intervention is an attempt to reroute the soul. Mayuge has a dwindling soul. Forever suppressed by his conscious ego's wishes to appear manly, his inner guitar is pathetic and small. Yet it is the soul, the sunlight which shines through the clouds, which is what personality is built upon. Hence any attempt to become more manly will only result in being less of a person. People around you notice conscious posturing whether consciously or not. Such attempts only make you less of the man. One must strive to become the ultimate man: Atomsk, who is pure energy unrestrained by conscious posturing. The man with the coolest guitar ever made, according to Tsurumaki. It is nigh impossible to act consciously constantly. People notice when your eyebrows fall off and your act falters. Authentic personality is one of the highest virtues since you can simply be without trying. The trying only makes it harder. The desire to be more manly will only make you suffer.