The Good and the Bad Sides

The representative color of Atma, the Shape of Balance, was a deep blue reminiscent of the oceans.

The ebb and flow of its waves, its highs and lows, formed an image now associated with balance.

Far from being a straight line, there are good and bad sides to everything: a situation, a new technology, life itself.

Every thing holds pleasant moments and others that are more difficult.

Raising a child in absolute comfort distances them from the reality of those who are less fortunate, and from the efforts they must make simply to survive.

On Esperia, the use of magic had improved the living conditions of the Espers, but at the cost of depleting the Aether, the life source of the planet, which had led to the destruction of nearly all of their ecosystem.

Some new technologies had gradually made dialogue impossible between Espers of different elements, until the breaking point that caused the war of Chaos.

Of course, these technologies had never been intended to create such a situation. But here again, a need for balance was essential: great possibilities imply great responsibilities.

And the Espers had not yet become aware of the need to develop inwardly as well, in order to adapt to the new realities of the world they had ultimately created.


Our latest tales

  • Beliefs

    Beliefs

    We now understand that humans are drawn to stories. Long before the digital era—or even before writing—knowledge was passed down through generations by stories told aloud. Whenever someone tells a story, it is no longer reality but a fiction that carries beliefs within it. The natural fear of danger within our species makes us adopt…

    Read more

  • A Common Resonance

    A Common Resonance

    For this lesson, which was considered one of the most difficult, Faya put a great deal of effort into teaching the Espers about resonance. Though Faya preferred to put things into practice, this lesson was particularly abstract, which is why she asked the other Shapes to help her. “The most difficult part about resonance,” said…

    Read more

  • For your loved ones

    For your loved ones

    Kenko and Gurumin worked together on this course about health and how to promote it, so that even the reluctant Espers would try their best. “I’m free to do as I like!” said a young Esper who didn’t enjoy listening to advice. “Yes, of course you are,” said Gurumin gently. “But why can’t I skip…

    Read more

  • Put things into perspective

    Put things into perspective

    You can only see the world through your own perspective. But understanding that is, in itself, a big step toward becoming more aware of your surroundings. Why is it important? Because putting things into perspective helps you face difficulties with greater resolve, feel more empathy for others’ situations, and think more critically. What if I…

    Read more

  • A Child’s Heart

    A Child’s Heart

    At the Great Library of Esperia, there was a special space dedicated to children. The Seven Shapes soon came to understand the importance of children for a society that sought peace. They realized that the qualities children naturally possessed were the very qualities adults needed to preserve for true harmony to exist. Indeed, a child’s…

    Read more

  • I don’t know

    I don’t know

    The young Espers were surprised by this lesson from Vati, the Shape of Wisdom. They believed Vati knew everything—that no question was ever left unanswered—since she was respected as the wisest of all in Esperia. Yet, it was Vati who said “I don’t know” the most. Ironic, isn’t it? But having the courage to accept…

    Read more

  • A common world

    A common world

    The presence of Atma, the Shape of Balance, made it easy for the Espers to remember the importance of maintaining equilibrium across their entire planet. Because they understood that they all shared the same common world, it became evident to them that they should cherish the land that provided their food and the natural Aether…

    Read more

  • Grief

    Grief

    Losing a loved one may be the most tragic event you ever experience. Naturally, the closer the person, the more devastating the loss. It can feel as though the world has ended, and your thoughts will revolve entirely around the fact that the one you love is gone. Because of how the brain works, time…

    Read more