Neon Genesis Evangelion is a series that digs deep into the human mind, which explores themes of individuality, existence, and the complexities of human relationships.
The quotes from Evangelion are not only memorable lines; they are deep reflections on the struggles and emotions that represent the human experience.
Whether it’s wrestling with loneliness, confronting fear, or questioning reality, these quotes summarize the nature of the series’ thought-provoking narrative.
Top Evangelion Quotes
Neon Genesis Evangelion is renowned for its deep philosophical and psychological insights, often conveyed through memorable quotes. Here are ten of the most iconic quotes from the series that capture its essence:
“I mustn’t run away! I mustn’t run away! I mustn’t run away!” – Shinji Ikari
“Humans cannot create anything out of nothingness. Humans cannot accomplish anything without holding onto something. After all, humans are not gods.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“Man fears the darkness, and so he scrapes away at the edges of it with fire.” – Rei Ayanami
“Anywhere can be paradise as long as you have the will to live. After all, you are alive, so you will always have the chance to be happy.” – Yui Ikari
“Mankind’s greatest fear is Mankind itself.” – Gendo Ikari
“Even though a hedgehog may want to become close with another hedgehog. The closer they get, the more they injure each other with their spines.” – Ritsuko Akagi
“God knows I’m not perfect, either. I’ve made tons of stupid mistakes, and later I regretted them. And I’ve done it over and over again, thousands of times; a cycle of hollow joy and vicious self-hatred. But even so, every time I learned something about myself.” – Misato Katsuragi
“No one can justify life by linking happy moments into a rosary.” – Shinji Ikari
“Pain is something man must carry in his heart, and since the heart feels pain so easily, some believe that life is pain.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“Your truth can be changed simply by the way you accept it. That’s how fragile the truth for a human is.” – Kozo Fuyutsuki
Also Read:Bridge Quotes (with Commentary)
Evangelion Quotes on Human Nature and Identity
Evangelion delves deep into themes of human nature and identity, often questioning what it means to exist and to be human. Here are ten quotes from the series that explore these profound themes:
“Man cannot erase this sadness, because all men are fundamentally alone.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“Living alone is fine with me. I’m alone anyway.” – Shinji Ikari
“One who truly hates himself cannot love, he cannot place his trust in another.” – Rei Ayanami
“I still don’t know where to find happiness. But I’ll continue to think about whether it’s good to be here…whether it was good to have been born. But in the end, it’s just realizing the obvious over and over again. Because I am myself.” – Shinji Ikari
“Humans forget their foolishness and repeat their mistakes. If humans do not redeem themselves willingly, they will not change.” – Seele
“You misunderstood from the very beginning. You just believed what you wanted to believe.” – Rei Ayanami
“Man fears the darkness, and so he scrapes away at the edges of it with fire.” – Rei Ayanami
“The thread of human hope is spun with the flax of sorrow.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“Humans constantly feel pain in their hearts. Because the heart is so sensitive to pain, humans also feel that to live is to suffer.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“Your truth can be changed simply by the way you accept it. That’s how fragile the truth for a human is.” – Kozo Fuyutsuki
Evangelion Quotes on Loneliness and Isolation
Loneliness and isolation are recurring themes in Neon Genesis Evangelion, reflected in the struggles of its characters as they navigate their inner turmoil and external challenges. Here are ten quotes that encapsulate these themes:
“Man cannot erase this sadness, because all men are fundamentally alone.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“Living alone is fine with me. I’m alone anyway.” – Shinji Ikari
“You don’t want to be by yourself, correct? We are many but you are alone. You hate it, don’t you?” – Rei Ayanami
“Man fears the darkness, and so he scrapes away at the edges of it with fire.” – Rei Ayanami
“No one can justify life by linking happy moments into a rosary.” – Shinji Ikari
“Humans constantly feel pain in their hearts. Because the heart is so sensitive to pain, humans also feel that to live is to suffer.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“Understanding 100% of everything is impossible. That’s why we spend all our lives trying to understand the thinking of others.” – Ryoji Kaji
“The thread of human hope is spun with the flax of sorrow.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“The one who deserves to survive is the one who has the will to make it happen.” – Misato Katsuragi
“Pain is something man must carry in his heart, and since the heart feels pain so easily, some believe that life is pain.” – Kaworu Nagisa
Evangelion Quotes on Hope and Despair
In Neon Genesis Evangelion, the delicate balance between hope and despair is a central theme, with characters constantly navigating between these two powerful emotions. Here are ten quotes that reflect this dynamic:
“Anywhere can be paradise as long as you have the will to live. After all, you are alive, so you will always have the chance to be happy.” – Yui Ikari
“Humans cannot create from nothingness. Humans cannot accomplish anything without holding on to something. Humans are not gods.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“Hope is merely a fleeting illusion, but it’s the only thing stronger than despair.” – Gendo Ikari
“Even though a hedgehog may want to become close with another hedgehog, the closer they get, the more they injure each other with their spines.” – Ritsuko Akagi
“The fact that you have a place where you can return, home, will lead you to happiness. That is a good fact.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“Your truth can be changed simply by the way you accept it. That’s how fragile the truth for a human is.” – Kozo Fuyutsuki
“Burying memories is man’s way of surviving. But there are some things a man should never forget.” – Gendo Ikari
“The greatest fear for mankind is mankind itself.” – Gendo Ikari
“Life is just a cycle of hollow joy and vicious self-hatred.” – Misato Katsuragi
“The one who deserves to survive is the one who has the will to make it happen.” – Misato Katsuragi
Evangelion Quotes on Courage and Fear
Courage and fear are central themes in Neon Genesis Evangelion, where characters face both external threats and their own internal struggles. These quotes highlight the tension between bravery and anxiety, capturing the essence of human vulnerability and strength:
“Man fears the darkness, and so he scrapes away at the edges of it with fire.” – Rei Ayanami
“Whether I live or die makes no great difference. In truth, death may be the only absolute freedom there is.” – Ritsuko Akagi
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” – Misato Katsuragi
“You don’t want to be by yourself, correct? We are many but you are alone. You hate it, don’t you?” – Rei Ayanami
“Sometimes you need a little wishful thinking just to keep on living.” – Misato Katsuragi
“The reason he seems so withdrawn is because he’s afraid of being hurt.” – Misato Katsuragi
“Never underestimate the ability of the human animal to adapt to its environment.” – Misato Katsuragi
“Are you afraid of other people? I know that by keeping others at a distance you avoid a betrayal of your trust, but you must endure the loneliness.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“In the face of despair, the true test of character is to keep moving forward.” – Misato Katsuragi
“I mustn’t run away! I mustn’t run away! I mustn’t run away!” – Shinji Ikari
Evangelion Quotes on Relationships and Connection
Relationships and connection are at the heart of Neon Genesis Evangelion, where the characters’ interactions reveal the complexities of human bonds. The following quotes delve into the nuances of these connections:
“Even though a hedgehog may want to become close with another hedgehog. The closer they get, the more they injure each other with their spines.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“The thread of human hope is spun with the flax of sorrow.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“To love is to be vulnerable, but it is through this vulnerability that we truly connect with others.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“We may be different, but our struggles unite us.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“Our scars tell a story of resilience and survival.” – Misato Katsuragi
“We all wear masks, hiding our true selves from the world.” – Misato Katsuragi
“To truly understand someone, you must first understand their pain.” – Ryoji Kaji
“Humans cannot create from nothingness. Humans cannot accomplish anything without holding on to something.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“Part of growing up means finding a way to interact with others while distancing pain.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“It is in our flaws that our true beauty lies.” – Ryoji Kaji
Evangelion Quotes on Life and Death
Neon Genesis Evangelion delves deep into the existential themes of life and death, exploring what it means to exist and the inevitable end we all face. Here are ten quotes from the series that reflect these profound themes:
“Whether I live or die makes no great difference. In truth, death may be the only absolute freedom there is.” – Ritsuko Akagi
“This is man’s ultimate fighting machine, the synthetic life form known as Evangelion, Unit 1. Built here in secret, it is mankind’s last hope.” – Rei Ayanami
“Death creates nothing. It leaves only wounds.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“The cycle of life and death is endless. It’s a path every living being must follow.” – Gendo Ikari
“No one can justify life by linking happy moments into a rosary.” – Shinji Ikari
“To live is to die; to die is to live. A paradox, but one we must all accept.” – Misato Katsuragi
“The one who deserves to survive is the one who has the will to make it happen.” – Rei Ayanami
“Living means having to constantly endure pain. It’s the reason for our existence.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“Man fears the darkness, and so he scrapes away at the edges of it with fire.” – Rei Ayanami
“Burying memories is man’s way of surviving. But there are some things a man should never forget.” – Gendo Ikari
Evangelion Quotes on Responsibility and Burden
Responsibility and burden are central themes in Neon Genesis Evangelion, where characters are often weighed down by the expectations placed upon them and the heavy duties they must carry. Here are ten quotes that capture these struggles:
“It is simply the duty of the elite to protect the ignorant masses.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“The burden of living is the price we pay for the gift of life.” – Misato Katsuragi
“Carrying the weight of the world is not something one person should bear alone.” – Gendo Ikari
“Responsibility is a heavy burden, but it is one we must all carry.” – Ritsuko Akagi
“To have power is to carry a burden greater than oneself.” – Gendo Ikari
“I was born to pilot the Eva. That’s my only reason for existence.” – Shinji Ikari
“Everyone has their own share of burdens. Some are just more visible than others.” – Misato Katsuragi
“It’s not about whether or not you can bear the burden. It’s about whether or not you’re willing to.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“The responsibility of saving humanity is a burden too great for anyone, but it is one that must be borne.” – Gendo Ikari
“Every burden you bear is a step closer to becoming who you are meant to be.” – Misato Katsuragi
Evangelion Quotes on Technology and Control
In Neon Genesis Evangelion, technology and control are recurring themes, often reflecting humanity’s struggle to wield power responsibly. The series explores the consequences of technological advancement and the human desire to control forces beyond our comprehension. Here are ten quotes that encapsulate these themes:
“Humans cannot create anything out of nothingness. Humans cannot accomplish anything without holding onto something. After all, humans are not gods.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“This is man’s ultimate fighting machine, the synthetic life form known as Evangelion, Unit 1. Built here in secret, it is mankind’s last hope.” – Ritsuko Akagi
“Mankind’s greatest fear is mankind itself.” – Gendo Ikari
“Never underestimate the ability of the human animal to adapt to its environment.” – Misato Katsuragi
“Man fears the darkness, and so he scrapes away at the edges of it with fire.” – Rei Ayanami
“The thread of human hope is spun with the flax of sorrow.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“Your truth can be changed simply by the way you accept it. That’s how fragile the truth for a human is.” – Kozo Fuyutsuki
“Technology is a tool that amplifies human intent—both for creation and destruction.” – Gendo Ikari
“Any new position from which you view your reality will change your perception of its nature. It’s all literally a matter of perspective.” – Maya Ibuki
“The responsibility of wielding such power is a burden that no one should bear alone.” – Ritsuko Akagi
Evangelion Quotes on Faith and Doubt
Faith and doubt are powerful themes in Neon Genesis Evangelion, where characters often grapple with their beliefs, questioning the meaning and purpose of their actions. The series delves into the complexities of faith, whether in oneself, others, or a higher power. Here are ten quotes that reflect these struggles:
“Sometimes you need a little wishful thinking just to keep on living.” – Misato Katsuragi
“Humans cannot create from nothingness. Humans cannot accomplish anything without holding on to something.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“The fact that you have a place where you can return, home, will lead you to happiness. That is a good fact.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“You misunderstood from the very beginning. You just believed what you wanted to believe.” – Rei Ayanami
“In the end, it’s just realizing the obvious over and over again. Because I am myself.” – Shinji Ikari
“God knows I’m not perfect, either. I’ve made tons of stupid mistakes, and later I regretted them. And I’ve done it over and over again, thousands of times.” – Misato Katsuragi
“Faith is not about the absence of doubt; it is about choosing to believe in the face of it.” – Gendo Ikari
“To doubt is to be human, but to overcome doubt requires strength.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“Burying memories is man’s way of surviving. But there are some things a man should never forget.” – Gendo Ikari
“As long as the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth exist, everything will be all right.” – Yui Ikari
Evangelion Quotes on Change and Transformation
Neon Genesis Evangelion deeply explores the themes of change and transformation, reflecting the characters’ inner and outer journeys as they evolve through their experiences. Here are ten quotes that capture the essence of these themes:
“Transformation isn’t sweet and bright. It’s a dark and murky, painful pushing. An unraveling of the untruths you’ve carried in your body.” – Misato Katsuragi
“If you begin to understand what you are without trying to change it, then what you are undergoes a transformation.” – Rei Ayanami
“The easy road would have been to stay on the same path, the one that led only to death and decay. Instead, I took the road less traveled; I journeyed towards new life; towards transformation.” – Shinji Ikari
“To truly evolve, you must let go of your old self, the fears and regrets that bind you.” – Gendo Ikari
“Transformation means to reassess and redefine who you are, shaping yourself into the best version you can be.” – Ritsuko Akagi
“Know that transformation sometimes begins with a fall. So never curse the fall.” – Yui Ikari
“One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“The world may try to define us, but it is up to us to define ourselves.” – Rei Ayanami
“To change is to leave behind what you once were, embracing the uncertainty of what you might become.” – Shinji Ikari
“Our scars tell a story of resilience and transformation.” – Misato Katsuragi
Evangelion Quotes on Reality and Perception
Neon Genesis Evangelion often blurs the lines between reality and perception, questioning what is real and how much of our experience is shaped by our own minds. The following quotes delve into these intricate themes:
“Your truth can be changed simply by the way you accept it. That’s how fragile the truth for a human is.” – Kozo Fuyutsuki
“Reality is nothing more than a perspective, a lens through which we view the world.” – Gendo Ikari
“Sometimes, the only way to move forward is to let go of the past and reshape your perception of the world.” – Misato Katsuragi
“To truly understand reality, one must first understand the mind that perceives it.” – Ritsuko Akagi
“Reality is a construct, a reflection of the thoughts and beliefs we hold most deeply.” – Kaworu Nagisa
“In the end, what you perceive as real is merely the sum of your fears, hopes, and dreams.” – Shinji Ikari
“Any new position from which you view your reality will change your perception of its nature. It’s all literally a matter of perspective.” – Maya Ibuki
“The world may be chaotic, but it is up to us to find our own peace within it.” – Rei Ayanami
“Reality is fluid, shaped by our perceptions, and constantly changing as we grow.” – Gendo Ikari
“We may be broken, but we are not beyond repair. It is in our darkest moments that we find our true strength.” – Misato Katsuragi
Also Read: Cancer Sucks Quotes (with Commentary)
Final Thoughts
Evangelion quotes offer a peek into the profound and often worrisome questions that the series raises about life, identity, and the human condition.
They challenge you to reflect on your own experiences, fears, and beliefs, which encourages a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
As you revisit these quotes, you are reminded of the lasting impact of Evangelion and its ability to resonate with viewers through its complicated characters.