Ikiru

Ikiru, the will to live, is what created and sustains everything, from lifeless stars to human beings. The ultimate source and manifestation of Ikiru is God? . In human history, Ikiru is not writted down as such, but nonetheless transcends every step - most prominently ensuring our unconditional survival throughout the ages, the fact most readily taken for granted.

Ikiru can be considered a complicated resource, which is like no other. A child can possess enough of it to built a city, but a grown man depleted of it will not be able to move his own finger.

Like health, lack of Ikiru is a common trait of city people, as it is often hard to keep yourself from bursting out with it, especially if you're young. These uncontrolled outbursts give many cities special Ikiru-glow, seen and felt from far off. Rural folks are often attracted to it, and come to cities in hopes of getting some of it, only to find themselves spending their own Ikiru in no time.

Depression shows lack of Ikiru. Antidepressants are the most pitiful attempt of humanity to replenish it.

Chronic lack of Ikiru leads to gradual decay of a man, often in form of terminal deseases. Complete depletion leads to quick death, which is often unpretentiously diagnosed as "lack of will to live".

Vanity in all its forms, especially vain activities, can be a very costly consumer of Ikiru. It should be noted, though, that in case of every man, vanity is measured by himself, with his own heart. A conversation might be tiring to one party while insipiring for another.

Human emotions are among the richest sources of Ikiru.

Ikiru in culture

Ikiru is specifically referenced in lots of works.

• "Ikiru" by Akira Kurosawa
• "Spiritia" in Macross 7
• "Spirit Energy" in Final Fantasy
• ...

-- Main.AndrewPantyukhin - 06 Feb 2008