“There was a time I stopped talking, just like you. My reasons were a little bit different, but... I think the feelings of being ashamed of myself and hating myself... are the same. Here it says "to like yourself." What does that mean? Good things---how are you supposed to find them? I only know things that I hate about myself. Because that's all I know: I hate myself. Even if your force yourself to find good things... it feels so empty. It doesn't work that way. People like your teacher just don't get it.I think... when you hear someone say they like you for the first time... then you can begin to like yourself. I think when someone accepts you for the first time... you feel like you can forgive yourself a little. You can begin to face your fears.~Yuki”
In this quote from Natsuki Takaya's "Fruits Basket," the character Yuki expresses his feelings of self-hatred and shame. Yuki reflects on a time when he stopped talking and compares his struggles to those of the listener. He questions the concept of liking oneself and finding good things about oneself, admitting that he only knows things he hates about himself. Yuki suggests that hearing someone say they like you for the first time can begin the journey of self-acceptance and forgiveness. This quote emphasizes the importance of acceptance and how it can lead to personal growth and facing one's fears.
In this quote from Natsuki Takaya's manga "Fruits Basket," the character Yuki expresses the struggle of accepting oneself and finding self-worth. This theme of self-love and acceptance remains relevant in today's society, where individuals often face pressures to conform to unrealistic standards and may struggle with feelings of inadequacy and self-hatred. Yuki's journey towards self-acceptance and the idea that acceptance and validation from others can help in this process resonate with many people in the modern world who are on their own paths to self-discovery and self-love.
In this powerful quote from Natsuki Takaya's work, a character named Yuki eloquently expresses the struggle of self-acceptance and the impact of others' acceptance on one's ability to forgive themselves and face their fears. The emotional depth and vulnerability in this passage resonates with many readers.
This quote from Natsuki Takaya's work raises important questions about self-love and acceptance. Reflect on the following questions to deepen your understanding of the themes presented in the text:
Have you ever experienced a time when you stopped talking or felt ashamed of yourself? How did it impact your self-perception?
What do you think it means to "like yourself"? How do you currently view yourself and your qualities?
Do you agree with the idea that hearing someone say they like you can help you begin to like yourself? Why or why not?
How do you think self-acceptance and forgiveness play a role in facing your fears and overcoming challenges?
In what ways can you cultivate self-love and acceptance in your own life? What steps can you take to embrace and appreciate yourself more fully?
“I... There was a time when I stopped talking. Just like you. My reasons were a little bit different, but I think the feelings of being ashamed of myself and hating myself are the same. Here, it says to "like yourself." What does that mean? Good things- how are you supposed to find them? I only know things that I hate about myself. Because that's all I know, I hate myself. But even if you force yourself to find good things, it feels so empty. It doesn't work that way. People like your teacher just don't get it. I think when you hear someone say they like you, for the first time, then you can begin to like yourself. I think when someone accepts you, for the first time, you feel like you can forgive yourself a little. You can begin to face your fears with courage.”
“If there is anything you can do, it may just be to smile for them. Because when you smile, the world seems just a little kinder. For you to just be yourself is a very important thing, I think.”
“You're trying to find it. You're probably trying to find- the reason that you live- all by yourself. Because...because, in reality, there aren't any people who are born with reasons to live. I think that...that everyone has to find their reason to live. A reason to live. A reason to say that it's okay to be here. A reason for being. Everyone must find out and then decide. Maybe in a dream, or in a job, or in a person. "The reason" you find might be unclear, uncertain, and unstable. Even though you may lose it, I want to have a reason for as long as I live. I also want one. And then, if it's possible, I want to find it in somebody's heart. I want to be able to live for someone. I hope that someday, someone would tell me, 'You can think of it that way.' At times I want to give up, but I try my best. That's why...that's why it's okay, for sure, to be shameless. Because if you lead a bold life, someday you might meet someone with whom you'll want to eat takoyaki together.”
“Just tell me what's so irritating."(katsu)That's none of your damn business!"(kyok)Maybe not. But I'm curious."(katsu)It's EVERYTHING you prick! God, you're annoying! It's everything,okay?! EVERYTHING PISSES ME OFF! Them! And them! And them! And YOU! Everyone and everything!I HATE YOUR GODDAMN GUTS! You just...You all treat people like garbage. But you're all just as bad!QUIT TRYING TO ACT LIKE YOU'RE ALL FRIGGIN' PERFECT! Leave me alone. I wish everyone would just...go. Get out of my life. I'd be better off with YOU DEAD! DIE! DIE! GO TO HELL! YOU DISAPPEAR! YOU FALL APART!"(kyok)Really? I think you WANT them to care. You want them to look at you, don't you? All those people. You want them to need you. You want them.....to listen to you. To understand somehow. You want them to accept you. I think.... you want them to love you.You know something? I'm like that, too."(katsu)... Wh-why? Why did I....turn out....like this?"(kyok)You're asking me?"(katsu)That's what..That's what I wanna know. Why? Why...did I..?!"(kyok)Where did she go wrong? What was her mistake? "I'm miserable. I feel so alone!"(kyok)-Katsuya and Kyoko Honda”
“Yuki: "What can I learn from a stupid cat like you? You didn’t even know that Jason isn’t really a bear. He’s a character in a horror film."Kyo: "Yeah? So what if I didn’t? Like I’d waste my time watching some movie about a bear!"Yuki: You truly are an idiot.”
“Normally I hate people who whine all the time, but in your case, it would be okay to complain. Be selfish, say what you want once in a while. It's okay to let yourself be sad." -Kyo talking to Tohru”