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Anime and Manga
"No matter how small it is, life is a treasure! Even if it's a life of a villain like you!"
—Exkaiser, Brave Exkaiser
Serial killer/Disguised Vermouth: Why did you save me?
Shinichi: Is a reason necessary? I don't know why you would kill someone, but as for saving someone...A logical mind isn't needed, right?
"I never want to see people unhappy ever again!"
— Princess Euphemia li Britannia, Code Geass
"I can't turn my back on him/her/them!"
— Taiki Kudo regarding just about everyone, Digimon Fusion
"You can destroy planets, but you can never destroy what I am, 'friend.' I am the hope of the universe! I am the answer to all living things that cry out for peace! I am the protector of the innocent! I am the light in the darkness! I am Truth... Ally to good, nightmare to you!"
—Super Saiyan Son Goku, Dragon Ball Znote
Sephiroth: Tell me what you cherish most. Give me the pleasure of taking it away.
Cloud Strife: I pity you. You just don't get it at all. There's not a thing I don't cherish!
Cloud Strife: I pity you. You just don't get it at all. There's not a thing I don't cherish!
"Everyone has friends who will come to cheer them on. But Medaka is the only one with enemies who will do the same."
— Zenkichi, Medaka Box
"Nausicaä is the thread that joins us all together. Us, the Doroks, even Kushana and the wormhandlers. Without Nausicaä, we would only quarrel and splinter."
— Asbel, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind manga
Lady Eboshi: What exactly are you here for?
Ashitaka: To see with eyes unclouded by hate.
Ashitaka: To see with eyes unclouded by hate.
[The four senshi struggle to their feet after an attack: the alien Fiore just finished a Motive Rant about how none of them understand his loneliness and is about to kill Sailor Moon.]
Sailor Venus: Stop! Please don't take that girl away from us!
Sailor Jupiter: That girl is very important to us.
Sailor Mercury: Usagi-chan gave us something irreplaceable.
Fiore: What are you saying? This girl is a liar! She won't give you anything!
Sailor Mars: You don't understand.. If we hadn't run into Usagi, we all would have been alone.
Sailor Venus: Stop! Please don't take that girl away from us!
Sailor Jupiter: That girl is very important to us.
Sailor Mercury: Usagi-chan gave us something irreplaceable.
Fiore: What are you saying? This girl is a liar! She won't give you anything!
Sailor Mars: You don't understand.. If we hadn't run into Usagi, we all would have been alone.
"Please Silver Crystal, give me more strength! So I can protect everyone! So nobody will have to be alone!"
— Princess Serenity, Sailor Moon R: The Movie
"It is true that being able to use an Oversoul at your age is quite remarkable, Master Hana. But, that is not what real strength is. Real strength comes from sympathising with your enemies. Sympathise with your enemies so that you can understand them; that will allow you to overcome anyone. That is the secret of your father's incredible power."
— Amidamaru, Shaman King: Flowers
[Rapid Rabbit, a hero, is nursing Honey Trap back to health after finding her collapsed on the street, after Honey's overlord fired her]
Honey Trap: If you know that (I'm a deadly villain)... how can you act so carefree? I... tried to kill you!
Rapid Rabbit: That's... got nothing to do with it. I want to help people in trouble, regardless of whether they're friend or foe! That's all there is to it!
Honey Trap: If you know that (I'm a deadly villain)... how can you act so carefree? I... tried to kill you!
Rapid Rabbit: That's... got nothing to do with it. I want to help people in trouble, regardless of whether they're friend or foe! That's all there is to it!
Unico: I know what happened to you long ago, I know that some people treated you badly. If you had a friend, you'd know not everyone's like that. You must be very lonely.
Lord Kuruku: LONELY!! He says that I'm lonely! But don't you understand? I hate people, I d-o-o-o-o-o!!!
Unico: What's wrong, Kuruku?
Lord Kuruku: How can you be so cruel!? All this talk of friendship and understanding is making me feel all soft and gooey! (screams) I have lived only to hate humanity and now you're telling me that I am lonely? Like people are good, that I need a friend. Your words are melting my heart! (shrieks)
Unico: Kuruku, don't worry! I'll be your friend okay?
Lord Kuruku: (shrieks at his suggestion)
Unico: If you free all your puppets, I'll be your friend forever!
Lord Kuruku: Ahhh, that word again! Who would ever be a friend of mine? WHO!
Unico: Oh wait, Kuruku, don't be frightened! Anyone can have a friend, really!
Lord Kuruku: LONELY!! He says that I'm lonely! But don't you understand? I hate people, I d-o-o-o-o-o!!!
Unico: What's wrong, Kuruku?
Lord Kuruku: How can you be so cruel!? All this talk of friendship and understanding is making me feel all soft and gooey! (screams) I have lived only to hate humanity and now you're telling me that I am lonely? Like people are good, that I need a friend. Your words are melting my heart! (shrieks)
Unico: Kuruku, don't worry! I'll be your friend okay?
Lord Kuruku: (shrieks at his suggestion)
Unico: If you free all your puppets, I'll be your friend forever!
Lord Kuruku: Ahhh, that word again! Who would ever be a friend of mine? WHO!
Unico: Oh wait, Kuruku, don't be frightened! Anyone can have a friend, really!
— Unico begging Kuruku to become his Only Friend, Unico in the Island of Magic
Asian Animation
Our super senses are to help anyone in trouble. Even super silly villains.
Comic Books
Cassandra: Why does everyone I care about die?
Stephanie: Because... you care about everybody. And everybody dies.
Stephanie: Because... you care about everybody. And everybody dies.
"Up here, where the air is razor-thin. Where men believe themselves invisible. I take a last, sharp, frozen breath — and hold it. The seas are sapphires, the fields & forests emeralds. The Himalayas gleam like diamonds. The strange blue world to which my father sent me. If you knew how you are loved, not one of you would raise a hand in rage again."
— Superman, JLA/Hitman #2
Nightwing: Look at him, Rose. As far as he's concerned I'm a traitor who knows all of his secrets and weaknesses. When he sees you, he sees a crazed assasin with a Kryptonite eye trying to kill him and might succeed. But look at him Rose. What's he doing right now?
Ravager: H-Helping people?
Nightwing: That's right Rose, helping people.
Ravager: H-Helping people?
Nightwing: That's right Rose, helping people.
— Nightwing talking to Rose Wilson, the second Ravager, about Superman
"We will no longer impose our power on humanity. We will earn your trust... using the wisdom one man left as his legacy. I asked him to choose between humans and superhumans. But he alone knew that was a false division... and made the only choice that truly matters. He chose life... in the hope that your world and our world could be one world once again."
"That wasn't the only reason you had us bring Doomsday, was it, Kal? Even the thing that killed you— you were worried the other Doomsdays might harm it."
"They (humanity) believe in me and in my heart, I believe in them."
— Superman giving a Shut Up, Hannibal! response to the White Martian leader invading Earth, JLA (1997) #4
Diana: It's all right. I don't blame you.
Dee: Ha. Very noble of you.
Diana: No, not noble. It's because I love you.
Dee: Wha—? What are you on? Love?
Diana: When I was much younger, I met someone. The first real... person from your world I'd ever encountered. He was breathtaking. Not in the way you might think. I don't speak of sensual attraction or emotional bonds. What I saw in his eyes struck me. Part fear, part curiosity, part kindness. I saw in his eyes a willingness to try new things, like a child. It was because of him that I fell in love with people. It's why I fight for them. Why I fight for you. Even while Theyden's imprisoned me. Even when you betray me.
Dee: You're crazy! Who are you to talk about love? You don't even know me! Nobody can live like you say! It's inhuman!
Diana: Exactly.
Dee: Ha. Very noble of you.
Diana: No, not noble. It's because I love you.
Dee: Wha—? What are you on? Love?
Diana: When I was much younger, I met someone. The first real... person from your world I'd ever encountered. He was breathtaking. Not in the way you might think. I don't speak of sensual attraction or emotional bonds. What I saw in his eyes struck me. Part fear, part curiosity, part kindness. I saw in his eyes a willingness to try new things, like a child. It was because of him that I fell in love with people. It's why I fight for them. Why I fight for you. Even while Theyden's imprisoned me. Even when you betray me.
Dee: You're crazy! Who are you to talk about love? You don't even know me! Nobody can live like you say! It's inhuman!
Diana: Exactly.
The Chained: You defend LEX? They showed me all he has done to the world! He's more of a monster than I ever imagined! And they showed me you! You are a hero! And yet you risk your life for him?!
Fan Works
Supergirl: You won't believe this, but I'm sorry. On my honor, I am. And if you will swear to stop this battle, I will help you search for your child. That is my promise.
Satan Girl: Ohhhhh, don't you wish, Lightsister. I can find my child. After our war, I will find him. Or her. There is nothing left to us now, except the fight. You would not tolerate my existence, nor I yours. I am not capable of your empathy, of your petty virtue. You are not capable of my ruthlessness and power. Come, sister. Let us destroy each other.
Satan Girl: Ohhhhh, don't you wish, Lightsister. I can find my child. After our war, I will find him. Or her. There is nothing left to us now, except the fight. You would not tolerate my existence, nor I yours. I am not capable of your empathy, of your petty virtue. You are not capable of my ruthlessness and power. Come, sister. Let us destroy each other.
Giorno: You see the good in everyone, don't you?
Jonathan: I believe everyone has a kind side to them, unless they prove me otherwise. It would be extremely ungentlemanly of me to judge or criticize others, or assume horrible things of them, before I get to know the person.
Giorno: You're a really nice person. I think out of everyone here, you have the kindest soul.
Jonathan: I'm sure that is not true, but thank you.
Jonathan: I believe everyone has a kind side to them, unless they prove me otherwise. It would be extremely ungentlemanly of me to judge or criticize others, or assume horrible things of them, before I get to know the person.
Giorno: You're a really nice person. I think out of everyone here, you have the kindest soul.
Jonathan: I'm sure that is not true, but thank you.
Jasmine blinked back tears. Damn it, why did Kara Zor-El have to be so good? Why did she have to be so kind, so damnably noble?
“But because I am nothing, I want to be something. A good friend, a good student, a good sister, all of those and more. Being nothing doesn’t make you nothing, it just means you haven’t figured out the thing you want to be yet.”
— Twilight Sparkle, MLDC: Firestorm Crisis
'I saved a lot of monsters and improved their livelihoods. The question is whether or not I can save you as well Flowey." Pinkie smiled at the flower who just frowned at her, it was obvious to Pinkie that 'there is more to Flowey than can be initially seen'. The flower was demented and evil sure, yet there was something about him that had Pinkie determined to 'find the light in him'.
Film — Animated
I don't know if You can hear me,
Or if You're even there.
I don't know if You would listen
To a gypsy's prayer.
Yes, I know I'm just an outcast,
I shouldn't speak to You.
Still, I see Your face and wonder...
Were You once an outcast, too?
God help the outcasts,
Hungry from birth,
Show them the mercy
They don't find on earth,
God help my people,
We look to You, still.
God help the outcasts,
Or nobody will.
Or if You're even there.
I don't know if You would listen
To a gypsy's prayer.
Yes, I know I'm just an outcast,
I shouldn't speak to You.
Still, I see Your face and wonder...
Were You once an outcast, too?
God help the outcasts,
Hungry from birth,
Show them the mercy
They don't find on earth,
God help my people,
We look to You, still.
God help the outcasts,
Or nobody will.
— Esmerelda, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, "God Help the Outcasts"
Film — Live-Action
"Oh Newt, you're too good. You never met a monster you couldn't love."
— Leta Lestrange, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
Literature
"You are protected, in short, by your ability to love! The only protection that can possibly work against the lure of power like Voldemort's! In spite of all the temptation you have endured, all the suffering, you remain pure of heart, just as pure as you were at the age of eleven, when you stared into a mirror that reflected your heart's desire, and it showed you only the way to thwart Lord Voldemort, and not immortality or riches."
— Dumbledore to Harry, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Luke: My father abandoned you when you needed him most - I won't do the same!
Nolan Gillmunn: You stubborn fool, can't you see? When your father fought here, he focused only on the strategies and logistics of the war, ignoring the human costs. You, on the other hand... despite our anger and hostility toward you, you made our cause your own. You've fought alongside us - as one of us. You haven't repeated Anakin's sins. You've redeemed them."
Nolan Gillmunn: You stubborn fool, can't you see? When your father fought here, he focused only on the strategies and logistics of the war, ignoring the human costs. You, on the other hand... despite our anger and hostility toward you, you made our cause your own. You've fought alongside us - as one of us. You haven't repeated Anakin's sins. You've redeemed them."
Because he had an overpowering intuition: if Luke Skywalker thought he might save thirty innocent lives by sacrificing his own, he wouldn't hesitate. Ten innocent lives.
One.
"Or, hell, one not-so-innocent life," Nick muttered. "Like mine." He flipped the carbine's power setting to stun. "I hate Jedi."
One.
"Or, hell, one not-so-innocent life," Nick muttered. "Like mine." He flipped the carbine's power setting to stun. "I hate Jedi."
"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven."
Live-Action TV
"I traveled across the world. From the ruins of New York, to the fusion mills of China, right across the radiation pits of Europe. And everywhere I went I saw people just like you, living as slaves! But if Martha Jones became a legend then that's wrong, because my name isn't important. There's someone else. The man who sent me out there, the man who told me to walk the Earth. And his name is The Doctor. He has saved your lives so many times and you never even knew he was there. He never stops. He never stays. He never asks to be thanked. But I've seen him, I know him... I love him... And I know what he can do."
— Martha Jones, Doctor Who "Last of the Time Lords"
"Nobody important? Blimey, that's amazing. You know, in nine hundred years of time and space, I've never met anybody who wasn't important before."
— The Eleventh Doctor, Doctor Who "Doctor Who 2010 CS "A Christmas Carol""
[A deathly ill Davros is trying to goad the Doctor into wiping out the Daleks]
Davros: Why do you hesitate? No one would know... Is this the conscience of the Doctor, or his shame? The shame that brought you here.
The Doctor: There's no such thing as the Doctor. I'm just a bloke in a box, telling stories. And I didn't come here because I'm ashamed. A bit of shame never hurt anyone. I came because you're sick and you asked. And because sometimes, on a good day, if I try very hard, I'm not some old Time Lord who ran away. I'm the Doctor.
Davros: Compassion then.
The Doctor: Always.
Davros: It grows strong and fierce in you, like a cancer.
The Doctor: I hope so.
Davros: It will kill you in the end.
The Doctor: I wouldn't die of anything else.
Davros: Why do you hesitate? No one would know... Is this the conscience of the Doctor, or his shame? The shame that brought you here.
The Doctor: There's no such thing as the Doctor. I'm just a bloke in a box, telling stories. And I didn't come here because I'm ashamed. A bit of shame never hurt anyone. I came because you're sick and you asked. And because sometimes, on a good day, if I try very hard, I'm not some old Time Lord who ran away. I'm the Doctor.
Davros: Compassion then.
The Doctor: Always.
Davros: It grows strong and fierce in you, like a cancer.
The Doctor: I hope so.
Davros: It will kill you in the end.
The Doctor: I wouldn't die of anything else.
Young Davros: Which side are you on? Are you the enemy?
The Doctor: I'm not sure that any of that matters, friends, enemies. So long as there's mercy. Always mercy.
The Doctor: I'm not sure that any of that matters, friends, enemies. So long as there's mercy. Always mercy.
"Wilson, I know you're in there. I can hear you caring!"
— House
"I would like to tell you what I often told you when you were much younger. I like you just the way you are. And what’s more, I’m so grateful to you for helping the children in your life to know that you’ll do everything you can to keep them safe. And to help them express their feelings in ways that will bring healing in many different neighborhoods. It's such a good feeling to know that we’re lifelong friends."
Root: Did you really think She'd abandon me?
[prepares to execute Hersh]
[Root's earpiece beeps]
Root: Seriously? Even this guy?
[Root's earpiece beeps]
Root: All right... I guess you're the boss...
[prepares to execute Hersh]
[Root's earpiece beeps]
Root: Seriously? Even this guy?
[Root's earpiece beeps]
Root: All right... I guess you're the boss...
— The Machine ordering Root to leave alive the assassin who tried to kill her, Person of Interest
Clark: My father sent me to protect this planet. And I will fight you to my last breath.
Darkseid: There must be a part of you that's disgusted by how easily your people fell to me.
Clark: They may not be perfect, but I believe even in the darkest soul, there's always hope. People want to believe in something greater, and it may be easier to hate, but it's stronger to love.
Darkseid: There must be a part of you that's disgusted by how easily your people fell to me.
Clark: They may not be perfect, but I believe even in the darkest soul, there's always hope. People want to believe in something greater, and it may be easier to hate, but it's stronger to love.
—Smallville, Finale Part 2
Tabletop Games
"You must stop healing the Red Wolves, because we want them to die. They have attacked us when we have done nothing against them. It is wrong to heal those who attacked us without provocation. If you do not stop healing them, we will kill you."
But Chalana the Calmer was unafraid and refused to stop her work. "I have come to heal all who need it, and I did not heal you because I wished for you to win this fight. I healed you because every death makes the Darkness around us deeper and stronger, and I have pledged to bring light into the Darkness. If you kill me, there will be no one left to heal you when you need it." And the Green Bear chieftain was ashamed of what he had said and lost his will to kill her.
But Chalana the Calmer was unafraid and refused to stop her work. "I have come to heal all who need it, and I did not heal you because I wished for you to win this fight. I healed you because every death makes the Darkness around us deeper and stronger, and I have pledged to bring light into the Darkness. If you kill me, there will be no one left to heal you when you need it." And the Green Bear chieftain was ashamed of what he had said and lost his will to kill her.
— The RuneQuest story Hundred Healing
Video Games
"I can't turn my back on suffering vegetables, Mym!"
—Euden, Dragalia Lost
Overflowing with the milk of human kindness!
Benevolence radiates from your reflection like sunlight. You are filled with a joyful desire to help those less fortunate than yourself.
Benevolence radiates from your reflection like sunlight. You are filled with a joyful desire to help those less fortunate than yourself.
"You don't need a reason to help people."
— Zidane Tribal, Final Fantasy IX
Atreus: No. Close your heart to it... Close your heart...
Kratos: Who are they?
Atreus: Midgardians. Odin took them in. They shouldn't be here, they're not soldiers...
Kratos: Odin put them in our path to die.
Atreus: It's war... wars are won by those who are willing to sacrifice everything... (Kratos pulls out his flare and fires it to summon their allies) W-What are you doing?
Kratos: Son, listen closely. You feel their pain because that is who you are. And you must never sacrifice that. Never. Not for anyone. I was wrong, Atreus. I was wrong. Open your heart. Open your heart to their suffering. That is your mother's wish... and mine as well. Today... Today, we will be better.
Kratos: Who are they?
Atreus: Midgardians. Odin took them in. They shouldn't be here, they're not soldiers...
Kratos: Odin put them in our path to die.
Atreus: It's war... wars are won by those who are willing to sacrifice everything... (Kratos pulls out his flare and fires it to summon their allies) W-What are you doing?
Kratos: Son, listen closely. You feel their pain because that is who you are. And you must never sacrifice that. Never. Not for anyone. I was wrong, Atreus. I was wrong. Open your heart. Open your heart to their suffering. That is your mother's wish... and mine as well. Today... Today, we will be better.
Roxas: This could have been the other way around. But it really has to be you.
Sora: Huh?
Roxas: There are so many hearts connected to yours. You're me, so you can feel what I felt.
Sora: No. Roxas, you're you. We're not the same. That's what I wanted to tell you. That you deserve, just as much as I do, to be your own person.
Roxas: *taken aback, smiles* Sora, see? That's why it has to be you.
Sora: Huh?
Roxas: There are so many hearts connected to yours. You're me, so you can feel what I felt.
Sora: No. Roxas, you're you. We're not the same. That's what I wanted to tell you. That you deserve, just as much as I do, to be your own person.
Roxas: *taken aback, smiles* Sora, see? That's why it has to be you.
"...Such passion. Nay. 'Tis love. <chuckle> A boundless love... I wanted that once. Once upon a time..."
"She only spends time on the people she likes and the things she finds interesting, but she likes everyone and finds everything interesting - This is how this sincere girl lives every day to the fullest♪ To spark or lose her interest is a reward in itself."
— Miss Pink Elf♪ battlesuit details, Honkai Impact 3rd
Visual Novels
"I love all and everything"
— Reinhard Heydrich, Dies Irae
Western Animation
Finn: Ahhhhh! Everybody wants different things! And some of them want stuff that's exactly the thing the others don't want.
Jake: Whoa, dude. Hold on. So this guy wants this and that guy wants that, but man. What do you want?
[Finn flashbacks to the time his adoptive dog parents found and helped him as a baby]
Finn: Hmm. Jake. What I want is to help anyone in need, so everyone is happy!
Jake: Wow, that’s pretty corny man, but let’s do it dude! Wooohoo!
Jake: Whoa, dude. Hold on. So this guy wants this and that guy wants that, but man. What do you want?
[Finn flashbacks to the time his adoptive dog parents found and helped him as a baby]
Finn: Hmm. Jake. What I want is to help anyone in need, so everyone is happy!
Jake: Wow, that’s pretty corny man, but let’s do it dude! Wooohoo!
Bar-El: After everything we've done, you still show us kindness.
Superman: My Earth parents taught me forgiveness. Humanity has a lot to teach us.
Superman: My Earth parents taught me forgiveness. Humanity has a lot to teach us.
"Everyone, even the Fire Lord and the Fire Nation, need to be treated like they're worth giving a chance."
—- Aang, Avatar: The Last Airbender
" The Avatar must be compassionate towards all people, and the only way to do that is to live with them. The Avatar list experience sadness, anger, joy, and happiness. By feeling all these emotions, it helps you understand how precious human life is, so you will do anything to protect it. "
—- Avatar Yangchen, Avatar: The Last Airbender
Megatron: (quoting the Covenant of Primus) "And there came a hero who said, 'Hurt not the earth, nor the sea, nor the trees, nor the very fabric of time.' But the hero would not prevail."
Optimus Primal: Finish the quote, Megatron! "Nor would he surrender!"
— Beast Wars, "Nemesis (Part 2)"
Edward: Lazlo, why do you hate me?
Lazlo: I don't hate you, Edward. I love all creatures, even whatever you are!
Lazlo: I don't hate you, Edward. I love all creatures, even whatever you are!
— Camp Lazlo, "Burpless Beans"
Nisse: What happened?
Woodman: This was once a cosy little house. The girl who lived here befriended a giant.
Nisse: Guess she learned her lesson.
Woodman: Not likely. Odds are she'd do it again.
Woodman: This was once a cosy little house. The girl who lived here befriended a giant.
Nisse: Guess she learned her lesson.
Woodman: Not likely. Odds are she'd do it again.
— Hilda, "Chapter 13: The Black Hound"
"Though we gather here today, bound together in sorrow and loss, we share a precious gift. We are all of us privileged to live a life that has been touched by Superman. The Man of Steel possessed many extraordinary gifts, and he shared them with us freely. None of these gifts were more remarkable than his ability to discern what needed to be done and in his unfailing courage in doing it, whatever the personal cost. Let us all strive to accept his gift and pass it along as an ongoing tribute to Kal-El of Krypton, the immigrant from the stars who taught us all how to be heroes."
Hal Jordan: A lot of people think I'm a coward because of what happened in the war. Did your ring tell you about that?
Abin Sur: You are no coward, Hal Jordan. To you, all life is precious. And this ring is far too powerful to fall into the hands of someone who doesn't understand that.
Abin Sur: You are no coward, Hal Jordan. To you, all life is precious. And this ring is far too powerful to fall into the hands of someone who doesn't understand that.
Miscellaneous
"I sat down for the 3:20 show, the film started, the music swelled–
–and the instant that giant S-shield boomed onto the screen bigger and brighter than I ever could have imagined it, I was transfixed. And when Superman took to the skies for the first time, in that moment I found the hero I’d needed. It didn’t matter that he wasn’t real. What mattered was that he cared about everyone in the world, without exception, without judgment.
Everyone."
–and the instant that giant S-shield boomed onto the screen bigger and brighter than I ever could have imagined it, I was transfixed. And when Superman took to the skies for the first time, in that moment I found the hero I’d needed. It didn’t matter that he wasn’t real. What mattered was that he cared about everyone in the world, without exception, without judgment.
Everyone."
