"One Piece" and the Law of Attraction

[HeartExalted]

Ok, first of all, for any of this to make sense, you probably need to have considerable familiarity with the anime entitled One Piece. Basically, it involves a character who has a very clear ambition and goal, is determined to achieve it, and has no doubt that he will. Along the way, he makes various allies, many of whom have their own goals and dreams, and they end up providing mutual support and encouragement to one another.

As the series goes along, the main character and his allies encounter all sorts of obstacles...that they repeatedly overcome and surpass. Largely, it often seems to be by sheer force of determination and will. Also, ingenuity and just plain luck. I have to wonder, sometimes, if the main character is putting out vibrations that attract favorable circumstances to himself...

For those who are familiar with the series, do you ever find yourself seeing LoA at work in the unfolding of the plot? Or, now that I've mentioned it, do you feel like you can see it in hindsight?

For those who aren't familiar...what the Hades are you waiting for? I can provide a link to interested parties, if you ask nicely.

[SatvikBeri]

Well, I read the manga. I don't watch the anime.

A *lot* of different mangas seem to have a very strong LoA element-look at Eyeshield 21 and Grappler Baki for instance. The latter is a Martial Arts manga where characters' strength depends a lot on their beliefs-something that's often preached by real martial artists as well.

SPOILERS:



Going back to One Piece-look at the Skypiea Arc for instance-Montblanc (forgot his first name) has a huge intention towards proving or disproving the existence of the island his ancestor found. He takes massive action towards this goal. His action is completely wrong. Yet he attracts the right people who prove that the island really does exist.

Look at the time when Luffy was going to be executed, only to be rescued by a bolt of lightning.

Look at how much Luffy and crew enjoy their adventure-they don't just want to reach their goal, but they're enjoying the whole journey. That's a major part of LoA.

Look at the crew mates Luffy just happened to find. They're such a perfect fit for him that it's unbelievable.

Look at Luffy's ability to use instinct when there's no logical way he can find an answer-for example, when he was able to figure out who was the real Mr. 3, or to beat Don Creek, or Crocodile.

Look at the Enies Lobby arc-a big part of the arc is just Luffy and the others getting Nico Robin to intend to live. As long as Robin is trying to die Luffy and the others can't succeed, but once she says she wants to live everything flows perfectly.

Hell, look at Haki. That's basically direct force of will applied to a fighting situation.

Really, LoA is a very common theme in all sorts of stories, when you think about it. Hell, look at Xena: Warrior Princess. Pretty much all of the same themes apply.