The Boy and the Beast is a 2015 Japanese animated adventure fantasy film written and directed by Mamoru Hosoda. Once again, this was a recommendation from my wife. I have come to realize that over time, as I drank more and more, I gradually lost my curiosity. Now, I am finally happy to have regained not only that curiosity but also a renewed focus on my purpose in life, along with greater openness in my feelings and thoughts. I believe that having a partner with whom we build a shared future is crucial in uncovering deep truths within ourselves—truths we might never reach on our own.
Returning to today’s post, I thoroughly enjoyed The Boy and the Beast and found the dynamic between its two main characters particularly compelling. Ren, a human boy who has recently lost his mother, and Kumatetsu, a warrior from the Beast Kingdom vying to become the next Grandmaster, form an unlikely yet deeply transformative bond.
How Does Society Shape Us, and How Do We Shape Society?
While it is obvious that Ren, as a child, learns a great deal from Kumatetsu and the adults of the Beast Kingdom, it is just as important to recognize that children mimic not only their caretakers but also other adults and even their peers. This is one of the fundamental ways children learn, highlighting the critical role of society in shaping individuals.
But what kind of society are we creating? Does it lift people up, encouraging wellness and growth, or does it drag them down, reinforcing negative cycles? We must acknowledge that while individuals make up society, society, in turn, molds individuals. The way we structure our communities and interactions plays a defining role in what future generations will internalize.
Why Is Teaching One of the Best Ways to Learn?
Teaching, especially to children, is a powerful tool for self-reflection. It forces us to confront our own preconceptions and biases, often revealing how much we take for granted. Children’s questions push us to rethink what we have passively accepted, making education not just about imparting knowledge but also about deepening our own understanding.
Beyond words, actions and behaviors carry an even greater impact. Learning is not just a cognitive process; we absorb lessons emotionally and intuitively. This underscores the immense responsibility we hold—not only as teachers or parents but as members of society—to embody the values we wish to pass on.
Can We Move Beyond “Us” vs. “Them”?
As social creatures, humans have an inherent need for connection and interaction, which has led to the formation of complex societies. However, the larger and more interconnected our world becomes, the more challenges arise. Thanks to technology, we can now communicate across the globe with unprecedented speed, yet our perception of “others” remains deeply influenced by historical divisions.
Despite living in an era of global connectivity, we still tend to define “Us” at the national level rather than embracing a broader sense of human unity. Cultural differences should be acknowledged and celebrated, but we must also recognize our shared humanity. This shift in mindset needs to start with education, prioritizing a perspective that sees all people as part of a common “Us.”
How Can We Build a Society That Truly Promotes Wellness?
At One Daily Tale, we firmly believe that our brains give us the ability to adapt and reshape society in a way that prioritizes wellness for all. This transformation will require time, effort, and a shift in mindset, but it is essential if we are to eliminate the inequities that continue to plague our world. These injustices push the most important priorities—education, well-being, and collective growth—to the bottom of the list.
If we truly harness our capacity for change, we can build a world that uplifts everyone. But to do so, we must first ask ourselves: What kind of society are we actively creating? Do we take responsibility for shaping a better future? What are your thoughts on the impact of society on individuals—and vice versa? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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