Some comments on this picture book, "Never give up" -the psychology/cause of hikikomori (social withdrawn)


There is a teaching of the self‐denial.
What does it mean?

When you look up a dictionary about self-denial, it mentions like; Sacrifice of one's own desires or interests.

Then who is the one that sacrifices the desire? Is the desire to sacrifice one's own desire NOT one's own wish, either? If the both demands are coming from one’s own desires, which of the desires should be denied and should be accepted?

Furthermore, where will the denied oneself (=denied desire) go? Will it die? Will it disappear? Or will it be simply oppressed? Will the denied desire never be satisfied and exist with hatred and unhappiness?

The writer does not know the true meaning of the teaching of the self-denial.
However, I believe that just a single misstep of interpretation of the teaching may cause a psychological disorder such as good and evil addiction. The illness may cause various problems including neurosis, depression, psychosomatic disorder, dependency to alcohol and/or a drug and hikikomori.

As seen above, the writer is afraid that the teachings like "Conquer / overcome oneself", "Overcome evil thoughts" "Eliminate your desires" may cause serious mental problems to the people depending on the situation or their comprehensive faculty, apart from the true meaning of these teachings.
These kinds of potential risk are the theme of this picture book.

It is appreciated if you would recall these potential risks when you think about mental issues including self-denial, weak will and hikikomori matters.



Never give up in PDF

Never give up in Japanese(負けるものか―意志が弱い方へ)








Never give up

-To those who have little will power-

Jun Togo     Edited by B.Blue

P.1