In the world of Neon Genesis Evangelion, the Third Impact is a significant event that determines the fate of humanity. Unlike the concept of apocalypse in common belief, the Third Impact brings humanity to two extreme possibilities: unification in a collective consciousness or total destruction. This concept lies at the core of the Human Instrumentality Project designed by the secretive organization SEELE. Their goal is to eliminate individual boundaries, known as the AT Field, so that all souls merge. In this way, there will be no more loneliness, conflict, or suffering due to differences. However, a big question arises: will humans still remain human if their individuality is erased?
Many consider the Third Impact as total destruction, as depicted in the series with the LCL fluid, a symbol of the origin of life. However, according to Gendo Ikari, the Third Impact is actually an attempt to restore the “perfection” of humanity, living without pain and loneliness. But the price to be paid is very high—the loss of individual identity.
For Gendo, the Third Impact is a way to reunite with his deceased wife, Yui Ikari. Meanwhile, for Shinji Ikari, this is the ultimate test: is life without suffering more valuable than accepting an imperfect world?
### The Misconception of the Third Impact
In the series Neon Genesis Evangelion and the film The End of Evangelion, the Third Impact occurs through the Human Instrumentality Project. Rei Ayanami, who holds the essence of Lilith, merges with Adam and transforms into a giant creature that transcends the concept of humans. All human souls on Earth are absorbed and merged into a single collective consciousness. However, Shinji and Asuka maintain their bodies and minds as individuals, unlike others.
### The True Meaning of the Third Impact
Ultimately, the Third Impact is not just the destruction of the world but also a transitional event that can be the beginning of something new. The Human Instrumentality Project creates a single large consciousness, where all individuals come together like an orchestra, where each human is just one note in perfect harmony. The main goal is to create a world without conflict and suffering, but this means sacrificing freedom and individual identity. SEELE wants to achieve this in order to control humanity and create a world without division. For Gendo, this project is a way to reunite with Yui.
By the end of The End of Evangelion, Shinji finally understands the consequences of the Third Impact and chooses to return to the real world. He decides that even though this world is full of suffering and imperfections, life as an individual is still more meaningful than an existence without identity.
The Third Impact in Neon Genesis Evangelion is a complex concept full of existential philosophy. It is not just an event of world destruction but also a reflection of what it means to be human. Is true happiness found in unification and boundless harmony, or in diversity and individuality?
In the next episode, we will discuss the most popular theories surrounding the Third Impact and different interpretations from various perspectives. Stay tuned for more!
