If you’re a Naruto fanatic like I am, then you’ll get a kick out of these nostalgic quotes from Naruto. Naruto is by far one of the most popular anime in history. In fact, it’s the 4th best selling manga series with 235 million copies sold worldwide in 35 countries!
This anime is a story about a young boy who was born different from the rest. Due to the misfortunes of the Konoha village, a nine tail fox attacked the village seeking to destroy. To save the village the hokage (leader of the village) sealed the fox into the young boy. Naruto was deemed an outcast and disgrace from the village. The story captures Naruto’s growth from a boy to a man learning how to use his unsettling circumstances to rise above and unite their village using the powers of the nine tail fox inside of him.
On March 23rd 2017, Naruto Shippuden finally ended and anime fans all over the world wept in tears because it truly was the end of an era.
Here are 5 quotes from the Naruto series that inspire you to live life the right way, just as Naruto has. Sit back and relive the nostalgic Naruto moments.
1. Worse than Scum
“Those who break the rules are scum, that’s true, but those who abandon their friends are worse than scum.” – Kakashi Sensei
Kakashi, the sensei Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura passed on this very important lesson down to his disciples. In the series, this would be a reoccuring theme where Naruto never abandons his comrades no matter what. In life, you shouldn’t abandon those who love and support you along the way.
2. Life is Measured by What You Accomplished
“A shinobi’s life is not measured by how they lived but rather what they managed to accomplish before their death.” – Master Jiraya
In the midst of his final moments, Jiraya uttered these words. Jiraya had been seeking to find the boy who has been prophesied as the one to save the people when the world was being threatened again. He knew that he had already accomplished what was needed by helping Naruto train and become a strong shinobi. Most people live their lives without leaving a strong legacy. Pick a worthy goal that is so much larger than life that you’ll have no regrets of pursuing the goal.
3. Hard work beats talent
“A genius, huh? What does that mean? Genius? So I was not born with a whole lot of natural talent, not gifted like Neji.. but I work hard and I never give up! That is my gift.. That is my ninja way” – Rock Lee
Much like Naruto, Rock Lee had many shortcomings himself. Throughout the series, fighting through adversity and winning despite clear deficiencies is a common theme in the series. Rock Lee was born without the capabilities of performing any ninjustu or genjustu, meaning he could only fight using pure physical movements. That is a huge disadvantage. But this allowed him to focus on the one thing he is good at – taijustu.
To succeed, you have to focus on your strengths and not worry about your weaknesses. Some people aren’t born to be professional athletes. Some can’t write award winning novels. Find your calling and separate yourself by doing what makes you special.
4. Love is the cure
“There’s only one thing that can heal the heart.. Only one.. It’s love.” – Gaara
Much like Naruto, Gaara had a Jinchuriki (one tailed beast) inside of him, therefore the village of the Sand despised him. His father tried to kill him many times as well. Gaara grew up extremely lonely with almost no friends or family. He used hatred to fuel him. Another theme of Naruto is that some characters tend to use hatred as their driving force, but later come full circle to understanding why that is not the right way to live life.
Your motive is just as important as your goal. Ask yourself what is your motive for wanting to achieve your goal? Is it coming from a place of love and generosity to help others? Leaning towards people you love makes you stronger and happier.
5. Keep Your Promises
I’m not gonna run away. I never go back on my word! That’s my nindo: my ninja way.” – Naruto
Naruto never let his comrades die and always kept his promises. In the series, Naruto promised to bring back his friend Sasuke and he did. Many thought he was very stubborn and naive, but he found a way. Naruto cared and valued his friends so much because he didn’t have any as a child.
In life, you need to keep your promises and find a way to make things work. It’s easy to make excuses and come up with reasons I can’t. Just think about your new year’s resolution. How many say they will accomplish a goal only to give up a few weeks in? Make a promise to yourself and stick to it.