Recently, my wife and I began watching Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, an anime adaptation of the manga by Uoto. Set in the 15th century, this story brings to life a period when religious authority suppressed free thought, punishing those who dared to question it. This theme of restrictive thinking resonated with me, especially after a recent visit to the planetarium. Viewing the vastness of our universe, we were reminded of both our insignificance in the cosmic scale and the profound influence society and religion have over human thought.
Recognizing Our Place in the Universe
The planetarium journey took us through the solar system, beyond the Milky Way, and into the distant galaxies, eventually reaching the theoretical origin point of the universe—the Big Bang. The sheer scale of the cosmos makes it easy to see how insignificant Earth, and human existence, is in the grand scheme of time and space.
In Orb, characters gaze at a sky filled with stars, untouched by the light pollution of our modern cities. Today, we rarely see such views, focused as we are on our own limited worlds. We easily forget that, in the cosmic sense, our lives are brief and minor. For example, take the U.S. elections—while they may hold great significance to those directly involved, for a French citizen living in Japan, their importance diminishes. We often place undue weight on the choices and actions of distant figures, like presidents or leaders, when true control over our lives lies within ourselves.
The Enduring Weight of Religion and Society
Orb is set in a time when alternative perspectives were not just unwelcome but dangerous. While the punishments have softened, remnants of such rigid thinking persist. The structures that once persecuted “heretics” still influence many modern societies. Most of our current ways of thinking are shaped by religious and societal standards established over two thousand years ago, which, though often positive, can limit our freedom to question and grow.
Despite technological advancements, much of humanity remains tethered to outdated norms and beliefs. Acknowledging how deeply ingrained these systems are in our daily lives isn’t easy. Personally, it has taken years of self-reflection to break free from many of these societal expectations. This process can be painful, as it often means confronting uncomfortable truths about past actions shaped by these influences. But through this awareness, we gain the ability to create a life defined by our own values rather than by old social scripts.
Building a Conscious Future Together
If each individual can grow in self-awareness, then together we can shift society. Developing small habits that foster awareness and resilience in our lives has the potential to inspire others. Over time, a collective movement of mindful individuals can bring about change, creating a society where people think freely and are empowered to live with purpose.
Through both the vastness of the universe and the internal worlds we navigate, we have the opportunity to transcend outdated societal boundaries, whether imposed by religion or tradition. Orb: On the Movements of the Earth reminds us of humanity’s enduring quest for knowledge and liberation. By nurturing awareness, we can live with greater clarity and purpose, contributing to a future shaped by thoughtful, conscious choices.
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